Tin-Can Customs cannabis seizure worth N18.96bn uncovered in Lagos, with drugs hidden in imported vehicles during joint NCS and NDLEA operation

The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs valued at approximately N18.96 billion, concealed inside imported vehicles at a Lagos port in a major intelligence-led operation.

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The seizure was carried out under the supervision of Customs Area Controller Frank Onyeka in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), following coordinated surveillance and actionable intelligence that flagged the suspicious shipment.

The Tin-Can Customs cannabis seizure involved a container numbered HAMU 429961, which originated from Canada and was falsely declared as carrying used vehicles.

However, a full physical inspection revealed a far more serious discovery.

Customs officers uncovered 185 jumbo bags of cannabis hidden inside a 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet, carefully concealed in an apparent attempt to evade detection at the port.

Authorities confirmed that the intercepted cargo contained 9,450 packages of cannabis, weighing approximately 4,729 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N18.96 billion.

The discovery has been described as a significant breakthrough in ongoing anti-smuggling operations.

Frank Onyeka praised the operation as a clear demonstration of enhanced intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation, describing it as a decisive success in the fight against transnational drug trafficking.

He highlighted that the seizure reflects strengthened collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA, particularly following a recent formal agreement aimed at improving joint operations, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement strategies.

As part of the renewed partnership, both agencies have established a standing inter-agency committee based at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja to streamline operational responses and strengthen border security efforts.

The intercepted drugs have since been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution in line with its statutory mandate.

Onyeka issued a stern warning to smugglers and criminal networks, stressing that security agencies remain fully alert and committed to dismantling illicit trade routes across the country.

He described the interception as a powerful signal that Nigeria’s ports are under tighter surveillance, adding that there would be no safe haven for drug traffickers or economic saboteurs.

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The Customs chief also commended leadership within the service, partner agencies, and the media for their continued support in strengthening national security awareness and enforcement effectiveness