Author: Gist Correspondent

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted a drug consignment valued at about N4.7 billion at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The seizure followed the interception of a 40-foot container found to be conveying 2,366 packs of cannabis indica concealed inside three used vehicles. Also recovered during the operation was a Colt MK IV .45 calibre pistol with an empty magazine.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s spokesperson, Oscar Ivara, Customs said the interception was the result of a joint, intelligence-driven examination conducted alongside NDLEA operatives. The seized items were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

Ivara noted that the incident underscores ongoing attempts by criminal syndicates to exploit legitimate import channels, stressing that such activities increase costs for compliant traders and necessitate stricter surveillance at the nation’s ports.

The Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said the operation was carried out on January 28 in collaboration with officers of the NDLEA and the Department of State Services (DSS).

“Today, we inform you of developments in securing our borders, in line with the 2026 International Customs Day theme of vigilance and commitment,” Onyeka said.

According to him, the container was deliberately masked with used vehicles—Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Sienna and Toyota Matrix—to evade detection, while the drugs were packed in 55 jumbo bags.

“A 40-foot container was found to contain 2,366 packs of cannabis indica concealed in 55 jumbo bags,” Onyeka disclosed.

He added that the seizure reflects the Command’s increasing reliance on risk-based enforcement, intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation to protect trade integrity and public safety. One suspect, he confirmed, has been apprehended in connection with the seizure.

Onyeka warned that the Service would not tolerate drug trafficking or any form of transnational crime that poses a threat to national security and public health.

Receiving the consignment, the NDLEA Commander at Tin Can Island Port, Solomon Omotoso, commended the collaboration among the security agencies, describing it as critical to preserving the credibility of Nigeria’s seaports.

He assured that the NDLEA would conduct thorough investigations and ensure that all those involved are prosecuted in accordance with the law.