The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted two 40-foot containers containing suspected illicit drugs worth over ₦3.67 billion at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. The interception was made by operatives of the NCS in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The Public Relations Officer of the Tin Can Island Port Command, Oscar Ivara, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
According to Ivara, the first container, identified as MSDU655132/0, was intercepted on September 2, 2026. A joint 100 per cent physical examination conducted by officers of both agencies led to the discovery of 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies weighing 598.08 kilogrammes. The container also contained two used vehicles: a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti.
The second container, identified as SKU625643/6, was intercepted on September 16, 2026. A physical examination revealed 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes and estimated to have a street value of ₦3.62 billion. The container also carried two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two used Toyota Corolla vehicles, and assorted used engine spare parts.
The combined seizures weighed 1,201.83 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦3.67 billion. Concealing the substances among imported vehicles and automobile components demonstrated attempts by suspected smugglers to exploit containerised cargo and legitimate commercial shipments to move prohibited substances into the country.
The interceptions underscored the commitment of the NCS and the NDLEA to preventing the smuggling of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s seaports and protecting public health and national security. The seized substances would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other necessary actions within the agency’s statutory mandate.
Ivara hailed officers of both agencies for their vigilance and professionalism, describing inter-agency collaboration as essential to combating smuggling and other transnational crimes. He also warned individuals involved in the illegal importation of prohibited substances to desist from the practice, stressing that the command would sustain enforcement operations against smuggling.
The Customs spokesperson appealed to importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, and other maritime stakeholders to comply with applicable laws, import regulations, and established procedures and not to use legitimate trade as a cover for criminal activities. The command would continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, cargo examination, and collaboration with relevant security and regulatory agencies to detect and prevent the movement of prohibited goods through the port.
Key points
- The Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA intercepted two containers containing suspected illicit drugs worth over ₦3.67 billion at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
- The seized substances included Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, as well as Cannabis Indica, with a combined weight of 1,201.83 kilogrammes.
- The interceptions demonstrate the commitment of the NCS and NDLEA to preventing the smuggling of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s seaports.
