The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have joined forces to intercept a massive consignment of illicit drugs valued at N18.96 billion at Nigeria’s second busiest terminal, Tin Can Island Port (TCIP), Apapa, Lagos.
The illicit drugs which are on top of the Import Prohibition List (IPL) and Export Prohibition List (EPL) drawn up by the Federal Government and enforced by the NCS were concealed inside vehicles imported into the country.
Following the discovery, the seizure of the prohibited items were carried out by officers and men of NCS, TCIP which has Comptroller Frank Onyeka as its Customs Area Controller (CAC).
Impeccable sources told Maritime Bits that the interception of the illicit drugs was sequel to a co-ordinated, intelligence-driven operation in collaboration with NDLEA.
At a ceremony to handover the seized items, Onyeka disclosed that the container, marked HAMU 429961 and shipped from Canada, was falsely declared to contain only used vehicles popularly called tokunbo.
His words: “Acting on credible intelligence, our officers conducted a 100 per cent physical examination of the container and discovered 185 jumbo bags of cannabis concealed within two imported vehicles.”
The CAC who is known for thoroughness explained that the illicit drugs were hidden inside a used 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet vehicle in a deliberate attempt to evade detection at TCIP.
According to him, further examination revealed a total of 9,450 packages of cannabis with a combined weight of 4,729 kilograms and an estimated street value of N18.96 billion.
Onyeka described the seizure as a major breakthrough just as he noted that it underscores the vigilance, professionalism and dedication of officers, as well as the growing effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration at the nation’s seaports.
Said he: “This significant seizure demonstrates the strength of our intelligence-driven operations and the synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and sister agencies, particularly the NDLEA.”
The Customs Chief revealed that the interception was on the heels of a formal agreement between the NCS and NDLEA aimed at strengthening co-operation in tackling drug trafficking and other trans-national crimes.
Continuing, the CAC said: “As part of the agreement signed on April 27, 2026, both agencies are committed to enhanced intelligence sharing, joint operations and the development of co-ordinated operational guidelines,”
According to Onyeka, a standing inter-agency committee has been established with its headquarters domiciled at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja to ensure seamless collaboration between the two government agencies.
While formally handing over the seizure to officers of NDLEA for further investigations and prosecution, the CAC who has made many strides since he took the reins of administration from his predecessor, ACG Dera Nnadi (retired) more than a year ago, reaffirmed the commitment of NCS in safeguarding national security and public health.
Said he: “Today, we hand over these illicit drugs to the NDLEA in line with their statutory mandate for further investigation and prosecution.”
The CAC used the occasion to issue a stern warning to smugglers and criminal networks, stressing that there would be no hiding place for those engaged in illegal activities in TCIP.
Onyeka’s words: “Let me send a clear message to all smugglers and criminal elements. The Nigeria Customs Service in collaboration with its partners, is fully prepared to detect, intercept and prosecute all forms of illicit trade. There will be no safe haven for saboteurs.”
He was full of praise to Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his leadership and support to his command as well as NDLEA and other stakeholders for their continued co-operation.
The CAC also commended the role of the media in promoting public awareness and called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to combat smuggling and illicit drug trafficking in the nation’s seaports.
According to him, the command remains resolute in deploying what he called “intelligence-driven strategies and robust enforcement measures” to secure our ports and borders at all times.
