Tin Can Customs Foil Drug Smuggling Attempt, Intercept ₦5.3bn Worth Of Narcotics Shipment
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two containers laden with imported vehicles used to conceal illicit drugs valued at over ₦5.3 billion, in what has been described as one of the Command’s most significant anti-smuggling breakthroughs in recent months.
The Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters on Friday, October 24, 2025. He said the seizures underscore the Command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders and ensuring strict compliance with international trade regulations.
According to Onyeka, the first container, HLXU8500072, with Bill of Lading Number HLCUTOR2506000834, originated from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on September 4, 2025, following “meticulous intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts.”
Upon a 100% physical examination jointly conducted with other security agencies, the container was found to contain four vehicles concealing 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.
A second container, numbered FANU 312876/9, was seized on October 24, 2025, after actionable intelligence provided by the Customs Area Controller led to its interception. Inside were four vehicles hiding 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms, and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine (Meth) weighing 8 kilograms.
The total street value of the narcotics seized from both operations stands at ₦5.304 billion.
In line with established inter-agency protocols, Comptroller Onyeka confirmed that the confiscated drugs have been formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
He commended the NDLEA and other partner agencies including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy for their sustained collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
“Let it be known that Tin Can Island Port Command, under my watch, remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in enforcing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory,” the Controller declared.
Onyeka further urged legitimate importers and exporters to comply strictly with trade regulations and make accurate declarations in their documentation. He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for their continuous support, while also commending the media for their role in public sensitization on compliance and patriotism.
He equally lauded the officers and men of Tin Can Island Command for their professionalism and dedication, affirming the Command’s commitment to leveraging intelligence, technology, and inter-agency cooperation to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders.
Receiving the seized items on behalf of the NDLEA, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Commander Daniel Onyishi, praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and commitment to national security.
"The handover reflects the strong spirit of collaboration between both agencies in safeguarding the nation against the menace of drug trafficking,". Onyishi stated.
He added that the NDLEA remains steadfast in investigating and disposing of seized narcotics in accordance with legal procedures, reaffirming the Agency’s resolve to strengthen partnerships with the Customs Service and other security outfits in pursuit of a drug-free Nigeria.
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