By Hannah Tedunjaye
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted a massive shipment of illicit drugs worth over ₦16.6 billion at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos, dealing another major blow to international drug trafficking networks.
The seizure, officially handed over to the NDLEA during a joint press briefing at the port, involved 8,347 packages of cannabis sativa weighing 4,173.5 kilograms concealed inside a 40-foot container originating from Canada.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, described the interception as a clear indication that criminal syndicates remain determined to use Nigerian ports to smuggle dangerous substances into the country.
He, however, stressed that the successful operation also demonstrates the heightened vigilance, professionalism, and collaboration among security agencies working to safeguard the nation’s borders.
According to Onyeka, officers of the Enforcement Unit intercepted and subjected the container, identified as HAMU247034, to a detailed physical examination after intelligence reports raised suspicion about its contents.
“The container was found to contain 8,347 packages of cannabis sativa weighing 4,173.5 kilograms with an estimated street value of ₦16.6 billion. This is not just another seizure; it represents a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to threaten national security and profit from the destruction of innocent lives, especially our youths,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the command would intensify surveillance, strengthen intelligence gathering, and deepen collaboration with sister agencies to ensure more interceptions are made.
He also warned officers and collaborators aiding criminal activities that the agency would not hesitate to prosecute anyone found compromising national security for personal gain.
“We are determined to go beyond seizures. Those behind these shipments will be identified, traced, arrested, and prosecuted according to the law,” Onyeka added.
Earlier during the briefing, NDLEA officials conducted an on-the-spot test using a United Nations drug testing kit, confirming the seized substance as cannabis sativa.
Officials noted that samples would also be forwarded to the agency’s forensic laboratory for further analysis and legal proceedings.
Director of Seaport Operations at the NDLEA, ACGN Ibinabo Achie Abia, commended the joint operation, describing it as a major victory against transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking.
She revealed that the operation was the result of months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and collaboration involving both local and international security agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
According to her, the shipment originated from Toronto, Canada, on March 28, 2026, before passing through multiple transit points, including Montreal, in an apparent attempt by traffickers to evade detection.
“The criminals employed several routing strategies to frustrate monitoring efforts, but through sustained intelligence and operational synergy, the consignment was successfully tracked and intercepted,” she stated.
Abia praised the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and other security agencies for their professionalism and commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime corridors from criminal exploitation.
She added that the seizure further highlights the effectiveness of the renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between the NDLEA and the Nigerian Customs Service to strengthen interagency cooperation.
“This achievement demonstrates the importance of intelligence-driven operations and international collaboration in combating illicit drug trafficking and organized crime,” she said.
The NDLEA director reaffirmed the agency’s commitment under the leadership of Brigadier General Buba Marwa to rid the country of narcotic substances and protect the future of Nigerian youths.
The seized drugs and vehicles linked to the operation have now been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation, prosecution, and eventual forfeiture in accordance with the law.
