Nigeria Customs Uncovers Two Containers Loaded with Cars and Hidden Drugs Worth ₦5.3 Billion
Customs officers at Tin Can Island Port intercepted drugs hidden in imported vehicles worth billions.
The command warns smugglers as security agencies intensify efforts protecting the country from harmful substances.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, says it has intercepted two separate drug consignments disguised inside imported motor vehicles, with a combined value placed at more than ₦5.3 billion.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC OE Ivara, announced this in Lagos on Friday. During the briefing, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said the seizures highlight the Command’s ongoing determination to protect Nigeria’s ports from criminal activities and enforce lawful trade practices.
The first container marked HLXU8500072 with Bill of Lading HLCUTOR2506000834 arrived from Montreal, Canada, and was seized on September 4, 2025, following intelligence-led tracking. A joint examination revealed four vehicles used to conceal 156 parcels of Colorado (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78kg, along with 1.2kg of hashish oil.
The second container, bearing number FANU312876/9, was intercepted on October 24, 2025. It also contained four vehicles but was packed with 2,081 parcels of cannabis weighing 1,093kg and eight parcels of crystal methamphetamine amounting to 8kg.
According to Customs, both seizures have a projected street value of ₦5.304 billion.
The narcotics have since been transferred to operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in line with standard inter-agency procedures.
Comptroller Onyeka praised the synergy among security agencies including the NDLEA, Navy, Police and others describing the partnership as vital in tackling drug smuggling and other international crimes. He warned traffickers and their collaborators that they will face the full weight of the law.
He stressed that the Command will continue to be “alert, unyielding, and firm” in enforcing Nigeria’s import regulations and relevant global trade agreements. Onyeka also encouraged compliant traders to ensure complete and truthful declarations in their documentation.
He applauded the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and thanked Customs officers at the Command for maintaining vigilance through intelligence and technology-driven enforcement.
Commander Daniel Onyishi, who leads the NDLEA Tincan Strategic Command, received the seized drugs and expressed appreciation for the Customs Service’s efforts. He said the operation reflects how strong collaboration between agencies can prevent dangerous substances from entering Nigerian communities. He also assured that the NDLEA will pursue continued investigations and legal actions, while reinforcing joint efforts toward a drug-free society.
