Felix KumuyiNigeria Tightens Noose on Drug Traffickers, as Compt. Onyeka Showcases Massive N18.9bn Cannabis Shipment Impounded at TinCan Port
Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, CAC, TinCan Port Command, NCS, Addressing the press on the seizure, while the NDLEA Strategic Commander in Charge of TinCan Port watches
Nigeria’s crackdown on drug trafficking has intensified, following the interception of a massive cannabis shipment valued at ₦18.9 billion at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, in a joint operation by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The seizure, described by authorities as a major operational breakthrough, highlights the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration in tackling organised criminal networks exploiting the nation’s ports.
During the Handing over exercise
Speaking during a press briefing, the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Frank Okechukwu Onyeka under whose watch the seizure were recorded, disclosed that the illicit consignment was uncovered following credible intelligence that prompted a thorough inspection of a suspicious container.
According to him, the container, which originated from Canada and was declared to contain used vehicles, was subjected to a 100 percent physical examination by joint teams of Customs and NDLEA operatives.
The inspection revealed 185 jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica cleverly concealed alongside a used 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado.
Further examination showed that the shipment contained 9,458 packages of cannabis with a combined weight of 4,729 kilograms, underscoring the scale and sophistication of the smuggling attempt.
The Massive Cannabis Seizure
Onyeka noted that the successful interception reflects the vigilance and professionalism of officers, as well as the strength of ongoing collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA.
Meanwhile, the seized drugs were during the press briefing event formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution in line with established procedures.
The operation comes on the heels of a renewed strategic partnership between both agencies, recently formalised in Abuja by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, aimed at strengthening intelligence sharing, joint enforcement, and accountability in narcotics control.
Reaffirming the Command’s resolve, Onyeka warned that there would be no hiding place for smugglers, stressing that the Service would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to secure the nation’s ports and borders.
Receiving the consignment, the Commander of Narcotics, TinCan Strategic Command of the NDLEA, Omotoso Solomon Badepo, commended the Customs leadership for its commitment and professionalism.
He described the synergy between both agencies as a product of strong leadership and shared commitment to national security, while issuing a stern warning to drug traffickers to steer clear of Tin Can Island Port.
The latest seizure reinforces Nigeria’s determination to disrupt drug trafficking networks and protect public health, as authorities intensify efforts to ensure that the country’s ports do not serve as gateways for illicit substances.
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