Customs intercepts N18.96bn cannabis hidden in imported vehicles at Lagos port
The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted a large shipment of illegal drugs with an estimated street value of N18.96 billion at a Lagos port, uncovering thousands of cannabis packages hidden inside imported vehicles.
The operation, carried out under the supervision of the Customs Area Controller, Frank Onyeka, followed a coordinated intelligence-led effort involving the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
Briefing journalists on Thursday while formally handing over the seized items, Onyeka explained that the container, numbered HAMU 429961 and shipped from Canada, was falsely declared as carrying only used vehicles.
He said acting on credible intelligence, officers subjected the container to a full physical examination, which led to the discovery of 185 jumbo bags of cannabis carefully concealed within two vehicles.
“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,” he stated.
According to him, the illicit substances were hidden inside a 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet, in what he described as a deliberate attempt to evade detection.
A detailed count, he added, revealed 9,450 packages of cannabis weighing 4,729 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N18.96 billion.
Onyeka described the interception as a significant operational success, crediting it to improved intelligence gathering, professionalism among officers, and strengthened 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 said.
He further noted that the seizure came shortly after a formal cooperation agreement between the NCS and NDLEA aimed at strengthening joint efforts against drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
“As part of the agreement signed on April 27, 2026, both agencies are committed to enhanced intelligence sharing, joint operations and the development of coordinated operational guidelines,” he explained.
According to him, a standing inter-agency committee has also been set up, with its headquarters located at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, to improve coordination and operational efficiency.
The Customs chief confirmed that the intercepted drugs had been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution in line with its statutory responsibilities.
“Today, we hand over these illicit drugs to the NDLEA in line with their statutory mandate for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.
Onyeka also issued a strong warning to smugglers and criminal networks, stressing that enforcement agencies remain vigilant and fully prepared to dismantle illicit trade routes.
“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 warned.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for leadership support, as well as to the NDLEA and other partner agencies for sustained cooperation. He also acknowledged the media for its role in public enlightenment.
Onyeka reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven enforcement and tighter port security to curb smuggling activities.
“The command remains resolute in deploying intelligence-driven strategies and robust enforcement measures to secure our ports and borders,” he added.
