By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Nigeria Customs Service Tin Can Island Port Command has intercepted another massive consignment of illicit drugs at the Lagos port, barely two weeks after a similar seizure was recorded at the facility.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing at the Command, the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed that the seizure was made through intelligence-driven collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The Customs boss noted that the latest interception underscores the determination of criminal syndicates to continue using Nigerian ports as channels for trafficking dangerous substances into the country, while also highlighting the vigilance and operational readiness of security agencies working at the ports.
According to him, acting on credible intelligence jointly gathered by the NCS and NDLEA, officers of the Enforcement Unit intercepted a 40-foot container with number HAMU 247034/8 and subjected it to detailed physical examination.
He revealed that the container, which originated from Canada, was found to contain 8,347 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing a total of 4,173.5 kilograms with an estimated street value of N16.694 billion.
Comptroller Onyeka described the seizure as a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and organised criminal activities.
“This is not just another seizure. This represents a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to jeopardise national security, endanger lives, and profit from the destruction of our hardworking young men and women. Thankfully, due to the vigilance and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies, the consignment will not make its way to the streets,” he said.
The customs comptroller, who handed over the seized drugs to NDLEA Director of Seaport Operation, ACG Ibinabo Archieabia, said that the latest seizure highlights the desperation of criminal networks seeking to use Nigerian ports as channels for trafficking dangerous substances.
“Exactly two weeks ago, on April 30, 2026, we gathered here to brief the public on a major interception made through intelligence and collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA.
“Today, we are back again for another significant seizure.
“This tells us two things. First, criminal networks are still desperate to use our ports to push dangerous substances into the country.
” Second, it shows that our officers and sister security agencies are alert, focused and fully committed to stopping them.” Onyeka said.
The Tin-can customs boss described the act as a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to undermine national security and endanger the lives of Nigerians, especially the youth.
The Controller stressed that the Command remains resolute in intensifying surveillance operations, strengthening intelligence gathering mechanisms, and sustaining robust collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure more interceptions are achieved.
He further warned that the Command would not stop at seizures alone, insisting that those behind the shipment would be identified, traced, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also issued a stern warning to insiders and collaborators aiding criminal networks within the port system, saying no individual found compromising national security for personal gains would be spared.
“No matter how long it takes, such individuals will be tracked down and dealt with according to the law,” he stated.
Comptroller Onyeka commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, for strengthening the partnership between both agencies in the interest of national security and the fight against illicit trade.
He said the successful interception demonstrates the growing effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing among security institutions in the country.
The Customs Area Controller also appreciated members of the media for supporting the campaign against smuggling and drug trafficking through timely and accurate reportage.
He reiterated that security agencies remain committed to frustrating every attempt to use Nigerian ports for illegal importation activities.
The seized consignment was thereafter officially handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary legal action.
