Tincan Port Customs Seizes ₦4.7bn Cannabis Shipment, Firearm in 40ft Container
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has recorded a major anti-smuggling breakthrough with the seizure of a 40-foot container loaded with Cannabis Indica valued at over ₦4.7 billion, alongside a concealed firearm.
The Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, during a press briefing held at the Enforcement Unit of the Tincan Island Port Command.
Addressing the media and stakeholders, Onyeka said the seizure was a product of sustained vigilance and inter-agency collaboration, in line with the theme of the 2026 World Customs Organisation (WCO) International Customs Day.
“Today we gather to inform you about the recent development in our operations to secure our nation's borders and ensure public safety, which aligns with the topic of this year's WCO 2026 International Customs Day, ‘Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment,’” he stated.
According to the Comptroller, the interception followed an intensive physical examination conducted on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, by officers of the Command in collaboration with other security agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), in the presence of the declarant.
He revealed that the 40-foot container, with number HLXU841299/0, was discovered to contain fifty-five jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica as well as a firearm.
“A 1x40ft container was found to contain a total of Fifty Five jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica and one (1) Colt’s MK IV / Series 70 .45 Automatic Caliber Pistol (S419) with one (1) empty magazine,” Onyeka said.
Further details showed that the seized drugs comprised 2,366 individual packages with a combined weight of 1,183 kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₦4,732,000,000. One suspect has been arrested in connection with the seizure.
The Comptroller explained that smugglers attempted to evade detection by concealing the illicit items inside three used vehicles — a Hyundai Santa Fe, a Toyota Sienna, and a Toyota Matrix which were loaded in the container.
Onyeka confirmed that the seized narcotics would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution, while the firearm would be transferred to the appropriate authority.
“Consequently, the seized narcotics will be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws. The firearm will also be handed over to the relevant agency in the soonest possible time,” he said.
Reaffirming the Service’s zero-tolerance stance on illicit trade, Onyeka warned that the Command would continue to clamp down on drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
“The Nigeria Customs Service reiterates that it will not tolerate drug smuggling or any form of transnational crime and remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding national security and public health,” he added.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and consistent support in strengthening operational capacity and inter-agency cooperation.
“The Command wishes to appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi for his unwavering support, leadership, and strategic guidance, which continue to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and operational effectiveness,” Onyeka said.
Onyeka assured the public that the Tincan Island Port Command would sustain its vigilance and enforcement drive to protect Nigeria’s borders and ports from criminal exploitation.
“The Command assures the public of its sustained vigilance and determination to combat smuggling and other illegal activities at all ports of entry,” he concluded.
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