The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a massive consignment of cannabis valued at ₦18.96 billion at a Lagos port.
The seizure was made during a joint intelligence-led operation involving the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), under the supervision of Customs Area Controller, Frank Onyeka.
According to Onyeka, the container—shipped from Canada and labeled as carrying used vehicles—was flagged based on credible intelligence. A full inspection revealed 185 jumbo bags of cannabis concealed inside two imported vehicles.
The drugs were hidden within a 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet, in what authorities described as a calculated attempt to evade detection.
In total, officers recovered 9,450 packages of cannabis weighing 4,729 kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₦18.96 billion.
Onyeka described the operation as a major success, attributing it to improved intelligence gathering and strong collaboration between security agencies. He noted that the seizure came shortly after a cooperation agreement between the NCS and NDLEA aimed at strengthening joint efforts against drug trafficking.
The intercepted drugs have since been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
Customs officials also issued a stern warning to smugglers, emphasizing that security agencies are intensifying efforts to dismantle illegal trade networks and secure Nigeria’s ports and borders.
