Customs Intercepts ₦5.3 Billion Worth of Illicit Drugs Concealed in Imported Vehicles at Tincan Island Port


Tincan Island Port Command of  Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted a massive consignment of illicit drugs concealed inside imported vehicles found in two 40-foot containers, with a combined street value at  ₦5.3 billion.

The announcement was made by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller F.O. Onyeka, during a press briefing held at the Command  in Lagos recently


According to Controller, the first container  numbered HLXU8500072 was intercepted on September 4, 2025, following meticulous intelligence gathering and coordinated operational efforts by officers of the Tincan Island Port Command.

The container, which originated from Montreal, Canada, carried Bill of Lading No. HLCUTOR2506000834 and contained four vehicles. Upon joint examination by the NCS and other security agencies, officers discovered 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil concealed within the vehicles.

A second container, numbered FANU 312876/9, was intercepted on October 24, 2025, after actionable intelligence was received directly from the Customs Area Controller. The container also carried four vehicles in which officers uncovered:

2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica, weighing 1,093 kilograms

8 packages of Crystal Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth), weighing 8 kilograms

The seized substances were immediately extracted, weighed, and secured in the Command’s Enforcement Unit pending formal handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

 “Today, in line with inter-agency collaboration and standard operating procedures, I am officially handing over the seized narcotic substances to the NDLEA for further investigation, prosecution, and necessary legal action,” Compt. Onyeka stated.



Comptroller Onyeka commended the NDLEA and all partner agencies for their unwavering collaboration in combating drug trafficking, smuggling, and other forms of trans-border crime.

“These seizures reaffirm our Command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders and ensuring that smugglers and criminal elements are brought to justice,” he said.


He attributed the success of the operation to effective intelligence sharing, professional vigilance, and dedicated teamwork by the officers and men of the Command.


 Issuing a stern warning to drug smugglers and illicit trade syndicates, the Area Controller noted that such activities not only undermine Nigeria’s economy but also endanger national security, public health, and the environment.

 “Let it be known that under my watch, Tincan Island Port Command remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in enforcing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Onyeka declared.


He further urged all legitimate importers and exporters to adhere strictly to trade regulations and ensure honest declarations in their documentation.


The Customs boss expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his leadership and continued support to the Command. He also lauded the NDLEA, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, and other security partners for their role in ensuring national safety.

 “To our gallant and dedicated officers and men of Tincan Command, I want to profoundly thank you for your alertness and professionalism to duty. The Service is proud of you,” Onyeka said.



He also commended the media for its ongoing efforts in public enlightenment and advocacy for compliance.


In his closing remarks, Onyeka reaffirmed that the Tincan Island Port Command will continue to leverage intelligence, technology, and inter-agency synergy to strengthen Nigeria’s border security and curb all forms of smuggling.

“We will continue to ensure that offenders are brought to justice and that Nigeria’s borders remain secure,” he concluded.








#TincanIslandPort #NigeriaCustomsService #NDLEA #DrugSeizure #Smuggling #CrystalMeth #Cannabis #BashirAdewaleAdeniyi #CustomsNews



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