Customs Seize N18.96bn Cannabis Concealed in Imported Vehicles at Lagos Port
The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a major consignment of illegal drugs valued at N18.96 billion at a Lagos port, uncovering thousands of cannabis packages hidden inside imported vehicles.
The seizure was made during an intelligence-led operation supervised by the Customs Area Controller, Frank Onyeka, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday while handing over the confiscated items, Onyeka disclosed that the container, identified as HAMU 429961 and shipped from Canada, had been falsely declared as containing only used vehicles.
According to him, customs officers acted on credible intelligence and carried out a comprehensive physical examination of the container, leading to the discovery of 185 jumbo bags of cannabis concealed within two vehicles.
The illicit drugs were hidden inside a 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet, in what Onyeka described as a deliberate attempt to evade detection.
Further inspection revealed a total of 9,450 packages of cannabis weighing 4,729 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N18.96 billion.
Onyeka described the interception as a major operational breakthrough, attributing the success to enhanced intelligence gathering, professionalism among officers, and stronger inter-agency collaboration.
He noted that the seizure followed a recent cooperation agreement between the NCS and NDLEA, signed on April 27, 2026, aimed at boosting intelligence sharing, joint operations, and coordinated enforcement strategies against drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
As part of the agreement, a standing inter-agency committee has been established at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja to improve coordination and operational efficiency.
The Customs boss confirmed that the seized drugs have been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution in line with its statutory mandate.
He also issued a stern warning to smugglers, stressing that enforcement agencies remain vigilant and committed to dismantling illegal trade networks.
Onyeka commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, as well as the NDLEA and other partner agencies, for their continued support and cooperation. He also acknowledged the media for its role in raising public awareness.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-driven enforcement and tightening port security to curb smuggling activities.
