By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major anti-smuggling breakthrough with the interception of illicit drugs worth N18.96 billion at a Lagos port, where thousands of cannabis packages were concealed inside imported vehicles.
The seizure was executed by officers of the Tin Can Island Command under the leadership of Customs Area Controller, Frank Onyeka, following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Speaking during the official handover of the seized drugs to the NDLEA, Onyeka revealed that the container, identified as HAMU 429961 and shipped from Canada, had been falsely declared as carrying used vehicles.
“Acting on credible intelligence, we subjected the container to a 100 per cent physical examination and uncovered 185 jumbo bags of cannabis hidden inside two imported vehicles,” Onyeka said.
He explained that the drugs were carefully concealed within a used 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet vehicle in a calculated attempt to evade detection.
According to him, further inspection uncovered 9,450 packages of cannabis weighing a total of 4,729 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N18.96 billion.
Describing the operation as a significant milestone, Onyeka said the seizure reflects the vigilance and professionalism of Customs officers, as well as the growing impact of inter-agency collaboration.
“This interception highlights the strength of our intelligence-based operations and the effective synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and sister agencies, particularly the NDLEA,” he noted.
The Customs boss also disclosed that the seizure comes on the heels of a recently signed agreement between the NCS and NDLEA aimed at strengthening cooperation in combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
“As part of the agreement signed on April 27, 2026, both agencies are committed to enhanced intelligence sharing, joint operations, and the development of coordinated operational frameworks,” he said.
He added that a standing inter-agency committee, headquartered at the NDLEA office in Abuja, has been established to ensure seamless collaboration.
Formally transferring the seized drugs to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution, Onyeka reiterated the Service’s commitment to protecting national security and public health.
“We are handing over these illicit drugs to the NDLEA in line with its statutory mandate for necessary action,” he stated.
He issued a strong warning to smugglers and criminal syndicates, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies remain resolute in dismantling illicit networks.
“There will be no safe haven for those involved in illegal trade. We are fully prepared to detect, intercept and prosecute offenders,” Onyeka warned.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs for his support, as well as the NDLEA and other stakeholders for their sustained cooperation. Onyeka also acknowledged the media’s role in raising public awareness and called for continued partnership in the fight against smuggling.
“The command remains committed to deploying intelligence-driven strategies and robust enforcement measures to secure our ports and borders,” he added.
The latest seizure adds to a growing list of high-profile interceptions by security agencies, underscoring intensified efforts to curb the influx of illicit drugs into the country.
Receiving the consignment, Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Omotoso Solomon, attributed the success of the operation to strong inter-agency collaboration and proactive leadership within the Customs command. He noted that the exercise was intelligence-led, involving thorough information gathering and analysis before the joint operation was executed.
