By correspondent in Lagos.
In a dramatic twist to a major international smuggling operation, the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized illicit drugs worth over N8 billion, handing them over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a significant crime bust.
The illicit drugs, concealed in two separate shipping containers, were intercepted due to high-level intelligence sharing between NCS officers and NDLEA operatives. Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, formally handed over the drugs to the NDLEA Commander at Tin Can Island, Mitchell Ofoyeju, on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Enforcement Unit of the Customs Command.
The first container, bearing the number TCNU 194586/1, was intercepted on February 27, 2025. Hidden among the cargo, which was falsely declared as used cars and auto parts originating from Canada, were 128 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing a total of 63.75 kilograms, valued at an estimated N414.3 million.
A second container, marked MSMU 838666/3, had been intercepted months earlier on December 12, 2024. This container was found to contain 97 packets of Crystals Methamphetamine, weighing a combined total of 78.3 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N2 billion. Additionally, the container held 1,735 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 867.5 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N5.6 billion.
The total value of the seized drugs from both containers amounts to N8.05 billion.
Comptroller Onyeka emphasized that the successful seizure was the result of diligent intelligence gathering and strategic collaboration between various law enforcement agencies. He noted that the containers were fraudulently declared to contain harmless goods, a common tactic used by drug smugglers to evade detection.
“The interception of these drugs underscores the commitment of the Tin Can Island Customs Command in protecting the nation from the growing threat of illicit drugs,” Onyeka said. “Our officers will remain vigilant in our efforts to thwart the activities of criminal organizations that seek to exploit our borders.”
Onyeka also reaffirmed the Command’s focus on facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring the security of Nigeria’s ports and borders. He called on all stakeholders to support Customs in preserving the integrity of national security and public health.
In his remarks, NDLEA Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju commended the Customs Service for its tireless work in curbing drug smuggling. He issued a stern warning to smugglers, urging them to abandon their criminal activities and instead pursue lawful business ventures.
“Smugglers must understand that these illicit activities undermine our national security and endanger the lives of our citizens,” Ofoyeju warned. “The NDLEA and Customs will continue to work together to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating through our ports.”
The bust serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against international drug trafficking and the importance of inter-agency cooperation in protecting Nigeria’s borders from such criminal enterprises.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
