Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations with the interception of 1,171 kilograms of Cannabis Indica, 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil, and eight packages of crystal meth, with a combined street value of ₦5.3 billion.
The Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the Command, where the seized items were displayed. He attributed the success to the Command’s improved intelligence gathering and seamless inter-agency collaboration within the maritime sector.
According to Onyeka, the first seizure involved a 40-foot container (No. HLXU8500072), intercepted on September 4, 2025. The container, originating from Montreal, Canada, was found to contain four vehicles with illicit substances concealed inside. A 100% physical examination jointly conducted with relevant agencies revealed 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of Cannabis) weighing 78kg, and 1.2kg of Hashish Oil.
The second container, FANU 312876/9, intercepted on October 24, 2025, also contained four vehicles in which officers discovered 2,081 packets of Cannabis Indica (1,093kg) and eight packages of Crystal Meth weighing 8kg, following actionable intelligence.
Comptroller Onyeka said the total street value of the seized narcotics stands at ₦5.304 billion, stressing that the Command remains resolute in its war against illicit trade.
“The Tin Can Island Command under my watch remains vigilant and uncompromising in enforcing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international conventions to which the country is a signatory,” Onyeka stated.
He also announced that the Command had generated ₦1.1 trillion between January and September 2025, representing 78% of its ₦1.5 trillion annual revenue target. He credited the achievement to officers’ commitment and the continued support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, particularly in the areas of welfare and operational logistics.
In accordance with inter-agency protocols, Onyeka confirmed that the seized drugs and detained suspects had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
Receiving the consignment on behalf of the NDLEA, Commander David O. Onyishi, Head of the Tin Can Island Port Special Command, lauded the Customs Service for the synergy that led to the seizure.
“This collaboration shows that merchants of death have no place here. We remain committed to making this port a no-go area for drug traffickers,” Onyishi declared.
The NDLEA commander assured Nigerians that both agencies would continue to intensify joint operations to secure the nation’s maritime gateways against narcotics smuggling and other forms of transnational crime.