The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tin Can Island Port Command has intercepted 185 jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica worth ₦18.9 billion in what officials call one of the largest single drug seizures at the port this year.
The consignment, concealed in a container declared as used vehicles, was discovered during a 100% physical examination by Customs officers. It contained 9,450 packages, weighing 4,729kg of Cannabis Indica, hidden alongside a Toyota Camry, and Chevrolet Colorado.
The drugs were dictated in a container marked HAMU 429962 originated from Canada and were intercepted before they could hit Nigerian streets but was intercepted because of the concealment as it was declared as used vehicles.
While formally handing over the consignments to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA on Monday, at Tin Can Island Command of the service, for further investigation and prosecution, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank ONYEKA noted that the seizure took place not quite long after the signing of inter-agency collaboration pact.
The handover marks the first major joint operation under a new inter-agency pact signed on April 27, 2026 between the NDLEA and NCS to strengthen intelligence sharing and joint enforcement against drug trafficking.
“This operation demonstrates the strength of our collaboration and our shared commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders against illicit drugs,” a senior Customs official said at the handover.
Looking at the level of the seizure, it’s significant and possible reasons behind the act, the CAC said the ₦18.9 billion worth of seizure, was one of the largest cannabis seizures at Tin Can Port in recent years. The 4,729kg haul represents a serious blow to transnational drug syndicates.
Comptroller Onyeka equally informed that the concealment Method of the drugs were criminally perfected to deceive the as they were hidden in a container declared as used vehicles, a common smuggling tactic. But with the Customs’ 100% physical examination protocol proved effective in uncovering the contraband.
Another reason for interception was by the help of the Inter-Agency Cooperation. The April 27, 2026 pact between NDLEA and NCS which the command said is already yielding results. The agreement focuses on real-time intelligence sharing, joint operations, and coordinated prosecution of drug traffickers.
The Tin Can seizure comes amid a broader crackdown on narcotics across Nigerian ports.
Customs Area Controllers across commands have been tasked by CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to prioritize anti-smuggling operations, particularly on narcotics and other prohibited items.
The NDLEA is expected to begin immediate investigation into the origin, destination, and network behind the shipment.
On his their own, the Customs under the Leadership of Comptroller Frank Onyeka has also reiterated that it will continue to deploy advanced intelligence, technology, and risk management tools to intercept illicit goods.
“The message is clear,” a Customs source said. “Nigeria’s ports are no longer safe passage for drug traffickers. We will catch them, and we will hand them over for prosecution.”
The CAC sternly added:
“Let me me send a clear message to all smugglers and criminal elements: the NCS, in collaboration with its partners, is fully prepared to detect, intercept and prosecute all forms of illicit trade. There will be no safe haven for saboteurs, Comptroller ONYEKA warned.