Tincan Island Customs Hands Over Intercepted Illicit Drugs Worth N5.3 Billion To NDLEA
By Asuquo Nuwak
Tincan Island Customs Hands Over Intercepted Illicit Drugs Worth N5.3 Billion To NDLEA
The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two containers laden with motor vehicles used to conceal illicit drugs.
The Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, who disclosed this during a press briefing held at its Headquarters on Friday, 24 October 2025, said the seizure is a testament to the command’s resolve to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, who said the first container, with number HLXU8500072 and Bill of Lading Number HLCUTOR25060008 which originated from Montreal, Canada, was intercepted on 4 September 2025 through meticulous intelligence and co-ordinated enforcement efforts.
The report said upon 100% physical examination, jointly conducted with other relevant agencies, the container was found to contain four vehicles with concealed quantities of 156 packets of Colorado Indica, a strain of cannabis, weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.
The report further said, the second container, numbered FANU 312876/9, was intercepted on 24 October 2025, following actionable intelligence provided by the Customs Area Controller.
Similarly, the container, carrying four vehicles, was found to conceal 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine (“Meth”) weighing 8 kilograms, with a total street value of the seized illicit drugs from both operations at the estimated value of ₦5.304 billion.
In line with established inter-agency collaboration protocols, the seized narcotic substances have been formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution, and other necessary legal actions.
Comptroller Frank Onyeka, who commended the NDLEA and other partner security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, and other stakeholders, for their continued collaboration in combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes, also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in illicit drug smuggling.
He further noted that such acts undermine the nation’s economy and pose grave risks to national security and public health.
Besides, Comptroller Frank Onyeka said that Tincan Island Port Command, under his 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 further urged legitimate importers and exporters to adhere strictly to trade regulations and ensure accurate declarations in all documentation.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for their continuous support, as well as the media for their sustained role in public sensitization on compliance and patriotism.
At the end, Comptroller Frank Onyeka commended the gallant officers and men of Tin Can Island Port Command for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the command’s commitment to leveraging intelligence, technology, and inter-agency cooperation to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and bring offenders to justice.
Commenting on the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tincan Strategic Command, Commander Daniel Onyishi, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and commitment in intercepting the illicit drugs. He noted that the handover reflects the strong spirit of collaboration between both agencies in safeguarding the nation against the menace of drug trafficking.
Commander Onyishi disclosed that the NDLEA remains resolute in carrying out its mandate to ensure that all seized substances are thoroughly investigated and disposed of in accordance with established legal procedures.
He further reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to strengthen existing partnerships with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies in the collective pursuit of a drug-free Nigeria.
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