The Tincan Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in another major operational exploit, has intercepted and seized two containers carrying illicit drugs valued at N3.674 billion, concealed with vehicles and vehicle parts.
Comptroller Joe Anani, Customs Area Controller (CAC), Tincan Island Ports Command of NCS disclosed on Friday in Lagos, during a press briefing and handing over of the illicit drugs to the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He noted that the two significant seizures of illicit drugs intercepted at Tincan Island Port were results of the sustained vigilance and effective collaboration between officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He said these seizures highlighted the Command’s collective resolve to prevent the smuggling of illicit substances through, “our seaports and to protect the health, safety and security of our citizens.”
The CAC said that September 2, 2026, a 40-foot container with number MSDU655132/0 was intercepted at Tincan Island Port, adding that following a thorough 100 percent joint physical examination conducted by both agencies, the container was found to contain a total of 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, with a combined weight of 598.08 kilograms, alongside two used vehicles namely 2008 Mercedes Benz and 1012 Nissan Infiniti.
The Comptroller further disclosed that on September 16, 2026, another 40-foot container with number SKU625643/6 was intercepted by the Command.
According to him, a thorough examination revealed a total of 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N3,621,000,000 (Three billion, six hundred and twenty-one million naira).
Other items found in the second container were two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two used Toyota Corolla vehicles and used engine spare parts.
“The concealment of these illicit substances among vehicles and automobile spare parts further highlights the determination of smugglers to exploit containerized cargo to facilitate the movement of prohibited items,” Comptroller Anani asserted, noting that across the two containers, the combined seizures amounted to 1,201.83 kilograms of suspected illicit drug-related substances while both containers had an estimated combine street value of N3,674,400 billion, as established in the details presented for this briefing.”
He assured that in line with established procedures and “our commitment to effective inter-agency collaboration,” the seized illicit substances would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other necessary actions within its statutory mandate.
Comptroller Anani averred that this partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA remained critical to identifying, intercepting and dismantling the activities of individuals and networks involved in drug trafficking.
He commended the gallantry, vigilance and professionalism displayed by officers of both agencies, pointing out that their commitment to duty and willingness to work together have once again demonstrated that effective collaboration remained one of “our strongest weapons against smuggling and other transnational crimes.”
“Let me use this opportunity to send a clear and unequivocal message to smugglers and all individuals engaged in the illegal importation of prohibited substances: desist from these criminal activities immediately.
“Tincan Island Port is not a safe haven for smugglers or criminal enterprises. The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with relevant security and regulatory agencies, will continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, cargo examination and enforcement operations to ensure that prohibited items do not pass through our ports undetected.”
He urged importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and other stakeholders to comply fully with extant laws, regulations and import procedures, emphasizing that legitimate trade must not be used as a cover for criminal activities.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their leadership, strategic guidance and continued support for operational effectiveness across all Commands.
“I equally appreciate members of the press for your presence and your continued role in informing the public about the activities and achievements of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Your contribution to public enlightenment, accountability and national development is invaluable. I encourage you to continue to report our activities accurately, objectively and responsibly, helping the public understand both the challenges we face and the progress we are making in discharging our statutory responsibilities.” Comptroller Anani enthused.
