The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two containers laden with imported motor vehicles used to conceal illicit drugs valued at ₦5.3 billion.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) O. E. Ivara, said the seizures were announced by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, during a media briefing. Onyeka described the operation as evidence of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring full compliance with international trade regulations.

According to him, the first container, numbered HLXU8500072 with Bill of Lading HLCUTOR2506000834, originated from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on 4 September 2025 through intelligence-led enforcement efforts.

A joint physical examination by Customs officers and relevant security agencies revealed that the container held four vehicles concealing 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, alongside 1.2 kilograms of hashish oil.

The second container, numbered FANU312876/9, was intercepted on 24 October 2025 following actionable intelligence. It also contained four vehicles used to hide 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms, and eight packages of crystal methamphetamine weighing eight kilograms.

The total street value of the seized drugs from both operations was estimated at ₦5.304 billion.

In line with inter-agency collaboration protocols, the narcotics have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

Comptroller Onyeka commended the NDLEA and other partner security agencies—including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, and other stakeholders—for their continued cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

He issued a stern warning to individuals and syndicates involved in illicit drug smuggling, stressing that such activities endanger the nation’s economy, security, and public health.

“Let it be known that Tin Can Island Port Command, under my watch, remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in enforcing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory,” he declared.

The Comptroller urged genuine importers and exporters to ensure full compliance with trade regulations and accurate documentation. He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their continuous support, as well as to the media for their role in promoting public awareness and compliance.

He also praised the officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming his commitment to leveraging intelligence, technology, and inter-agency cooperation to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and bring offenders to justice.

Receiving the seized items, Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Commander Daniel Onyishi, commended the NCS for its vigilance and commitment. He noted that the handover reflected the strong collaboration between both agencies in protecting the nation from drug trafficking.

Commander Onyishi affirmed the NDLEA’s determination to investigate and dispose of the seized substances in accordance with legal procedures. He also reiterated the agency’s readiness to strengthen partnerships with the NCS and other security agencies in the collective pursuit of a drug-free Nigeria.