Customs, NDLEA Synergy Yields ₦18.9bn Drug Bust at Tin Can Port
Kathy Kyari
A strengthened inter-agency collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has led to the interception of 4,729 kilograms of Cannabis Indica worth ₦18.9 billion concealed inside two used vehicles imported from Canada at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
The Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed the seizure on Thursday while displaying the illicit drugs to journalists at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
Onyeka said the operation was intelligence-driven and executed through sustained collaboration with officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Tin Can Island Port Strategic Command.
According to him, the container, identified as No. HAMU429966/1, was flagged based on credible intelligence and subjected to a 100 per cent physical examination.
He explained that although the consignment was declared to contain only used vehicles, officers uncovered 185 jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica concealed alongside a used 2010 Toyota Camry and a used 2023 Chevrolet Colorado.
Further examination, he said, revealed that the drugs comprised 9,458 packages weighing 4,729 kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₦18,916,000,000.
Onyeka noted that the seizure highlights the vigilance, professionalism and dedication of Customs officers, as well as the growing strength of inter-agency cooperation in combating drug trafficking and organised crime.
He added that the interception came shortly after a strategic agreement signed between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA on April 27, 2026, in Abuja, aimed at deepening intelligence sharing and coordinated operations against narcotics smuggling.
The Comptroller formally handed over the seized drugs to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for enhancing operational capacity and fostering stronger partnerships among security agencies, while also appreciating the NDLEA, port operators, other security agencies and the media for their continued support.
Onyeka warned smugglers and criminal networks that the Service remains resolute in tackling illicit trade.
“There will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs. We reaffirm our dedication to protecting Nigeria’s economy, safeguarding public health, and ensuring national security,” he said.
Receiving the seized drugs, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Omotoso Solomon, attributed the successful operation to strong collaboration among security agencies and proactive leadership within the Tin Can Customs Command.
He added that the operation was intelligence-led, involving the gathering and careful analysis of information before Customs officers were engaged for a coordinated joint operation.
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