In  a bold move to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and uphold international trade standards, the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service announced the interception of two containers found to conceal large quantities of illicit drugs. The revelation came during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters on Friday, 24 October 2025.

Key details from the briefing:

• First container: HLXU8500072, Bill of Lading HLCUTOR2506000834, origin Montreal, Canada. Intercepted on 4 September 2025 through strong intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts. A 100% physical examination, conducted with other agencies, revealed four vehicles concealing 156 packets of Colorado Indica (cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, plus 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.
• Second container: FANU 312876/9, intercepted on 24 October 2025. Also contained four vehicles and concealed 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing 8 kilograms.
• Total estimated street value of the drugs from both operations: ₦5.304 billion.

Handover to NDLEA and ongoing collaboration
Following established inter-agency protocols, the seized narcotics were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution, and related legal actions. The Tin Can Island Port Command credited strong inter-agency collaboration with partner agencies, including the NDLEA, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Navy, for their continued efforts in combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Statement;
Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller for Tin Can Island Port Command, emphasised the command’s commitment to enforcing Nigerian laws and international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory. He urged legitimate importers and exporters to adhere strictly to trade regulations and ensure accurate documentation.

NDLEA’s perspective
Commander Daniel Onyishi of the NDLEA’s Tin Can Strategic Command praised the Nigerian Customs Service for its vigilance and collaboration. He highlighted the handover as evidence of a strong partnership aimed at safeguarding the nation from drug trafficking. The NDLEA reaffirmed its resolve to thoroughly investigate seized substances in line with legal procedures and to strengthen ties with the Customs Service and other security agencies.

A call to action
The press briefing underscored the need for vigilance throughout the supply chain. Officials warned that illicit drug smuggling undermines the economy, endangers public health, and threatens national security. The message to both legitimate traders and potential offenders was clear: compliance and lawful conduct are non-negotiable.