…Intercepts Over 1.2 Tonnes of Cannabis Products, Hands Over Seizures to NDLEA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted two containers carrying suspected illicit drugs worth about ₦3.674 billion at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
The seizures, involving more than 1.2 tonnes of cannabis-related substances concealed among used vehicles and automobile spare parts, were made by operatives of the Tin Can Island Command in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joe Anani, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing and the formal handover of the seized substances to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.
Anani said the seizures demonstrated the commitment of both agencies to preventing the smuggling of prohibited substances through Nigeria’s seaports and protecting public health and security.
He explained that the first seizure occurred on September 2, 2026, when officers intercepted a 40-foot container with identification number MSDU655132/0.
A joint 100 per cent physical examination of the container reportedly uncovered 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies weighing 598.08 kilogrammes.
Two used vehicles — a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti — were also found in the container.
Second Container Loaded With Cannabis
The Customs boss disclosed that a second 40-foot container, numbered SKU625643/6, was intercepted on September 16, 2026.
A thorough examination reportedly revealed 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦3.621 billion.
Other items found in the container included two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two used Toyota Corolla vehicles and used engine spare parts.
According to Anani, the two interceptions brought the combined weight of the seized substances to 1,201.83 kilogrammes, with an estimated total street value of ₦3.6744 billion.
He said the concealment of the suspected illicit drugs among vehicles and automobile parts showed how smugglers allegedly exploit containerised cargo to move prohibited substances across borders.
Customs Hands Over Drugs to NDLEA
Anani said the seized substances would be formally handed over to the NDLEA in line with established procedures, allowing the agency to conduct further investigations and take appropriate action within its statutory responsibilities.
He described cooperation between Customs and the anti-drug agency as critical to identifying and disrupting drug trafficking networks.
The controller commended officers of both agencies for their vigilance, professionalism and collaboration, noting that intelligence-sharing and coordinated cargo examinations remained vital tools in the fight against smuggling and other transnational crimes.
He warned smugglers and importers involved in the illegal shipment of prohibited substances to desist from such activities.
“Tin Can Island Port is not a safe haven for smugglers or criminal enterprises,” Anani declared.
He added that Customs would continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, cargo examination and enforcement operations in collaboration with relevant security and regulatory agencies.
The controller also urged importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and other stakeholders to comply with import laws and regulations, warning against the use of legitimate trade as a cover for criminal activities.
Anani expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the service’s management for their support, while commending journalists for informing the public about the agency’s activities.
