Customs intercepts N18.96bn cannabis hidden in imported vehicles at Lagos port
Nigeria Customs Service Intercepts $24 Million Drug Shipment at Lagos Port
The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a substantial shipment of illegal drugs valued at approximately 18.96 billion naira ($24 million) at a Lagos port, uncovering thousands of cannabis packages concealed within imported vehicles.
The successful operation was overseen by Customs Area Controller Frank Onyeka and involved a coordinated effort with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). During a press briefing on Thursday, Onyeka explained that the container, marked HAMU 429961 and shipped from Canada, had been misdeclared to contain only used vehicles.
Acting on credible intelligence, customs officers conducted a comprehensive examination of the container, resulting in the discovery of 185 jumbo bags of cannabis hidden inside a 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet. The detailed count indicated the presence of 9,450 cannabis packages, weighing a total of 4,729 kilograms.
Onyeka characterized the interception as a significant operational success, attributing it to enhanced intelligence gathering, professionalism among officers, and improved collaboration between security agencies.
“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,” he stated.
This operation follows a formal cooperation agreement between the NCS and NDLEA, signed on April 27, 2026. The agreement focuses on strengthening joint efforts against drug trafficking and other transnational crimes through enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and operational guidelines.
A standing inter-agency committee has also been established, headquartered at the NDLEA’s Abuja location, to further enhance coordination and operational efficiency.
Onyeka confirmed that the seized drugs have been transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and legal proceedings. He emphasized the NCS’s commitment to maintaining vigilance against smugglers and criminal networks.
“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,” he warned.
Onyeka expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs for continued leadership support and acknowledged the NDLEA and other partnering agencies for their cooperation. He also recognized the media for its role in public awareness.
The NCS aims to further fortify intelligence-driven enforcement practices and enhance port security to combat smuggling activities. “The command remains resolute in deploying strategic and robust measures to secure our ports and borders,” he added.
