Customs Hands Over ₦5.3 Billion Worth of Illicit Drugs to NDLEA at Tin Can Island Port
The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted two containers loaded with vehicles used to conceal large quantities of illicit drugs, with a total estimated street value of ₦5.3 billion.
The first container, numbered HLXU8500072 and covered by Bill of Lading No. HLCUTOR2506000834, arrived from Montreal, Canada and was intercepted on September 4, 2025, following intelligence-driven operations. A comprehensive joint examination by Customs and other relevant agencies uncovered 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil, concealed within four vehicles.
The second container, FANU 312876/9, was intercepted on October 24, 2025, based on actionable intelligence provided by the Customs Area Controller. Also carrying four vehicles, it was found to contain 2,081 packets of Cannabis Indica (1,093 kilograms) and 8 packets of Crystal Methamphetamine (“Meth”) weighing 8 kilograms.
Announcing the seizures on October 24, 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, stated that the total value of the confiscated drugs stands at ₦5.304 billion. He described the operation as a demonstration of the Command’s determination to secure Nigeria’s borders and uphold international trade compliance.
In line with inter-agency cooperation protocols, Comptroller Onyeka formally handed over the seized narcotics to Commander Daniel Onyishi, the NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command head, for further investigation and prosecution.
Comptroller Onyeka commended the NDLEA, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, and other partner agencies for their continued collaboration in tackling drug trafficking and related transnational crimes. He cautioned individuals and groups involved in smuggling activities, warning that such actions endanger national security and public health.
“Tin Can Island Port Command, under my leadership, will remain steadfast, alert, and uncompromising in enforcing Nigerian laws and international conventions,” he affirmed.
He also urged legitimate importers and exporters to comply strictly with trade regulations and make accurate declarations. The Controller expressed gratitude to Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his leadership and support, and appreciated the media for their efforts in promoting public awareness and compliance.
In closing, Onyeka praised the officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the Customs Service’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations, technology use, and inter-agency collaboration to safeguard the nation’s maritime domain.
Receiving the handover, NDLEA Commander Daniel Onyishi lauded the Customs Service for its vigilance and proactive role in the interceptions. He emphasized that the partnership between both agencies exemplifies a strong collaborative effort to curb drug trafficking in Nigeria. Onyishi assured that the NDLEA would conduct thorough investigations and handle the seized substances in line with due legal processes, reiterating the agency’s commitment to achieving a drug-free Nigeria through enhanced cooperation with Customs and other security bodies.
About The Author
