- Compt. Frank Onyeka (right) with the Commander of Narcotics, Tincan Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Commander Daniel Onyishi, during the handover of the seizures at Apapa … yesterday
By Anthony Nwachukwu
The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it intercepted significant quantities of illicit drugs concealed in two containers laden with motor vehicles, with an estimated total street value of ₦5.304 billion.
Announcing this to newsmen at the command yesterday, the Area Controller, Compt. Frank Onyeka, said the seizures proved the command’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s borders and ensure compliance with international trade regulations.
Compt. Onyeka disclosed that the first container, with number HLXU8500072 and Bill of Lading Number HLCUTOR2506000834, originating from Montreal, Canada, was intercepted on September 4, 2025 on meticulous intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts.
Upon 100 per cent physical examination jointly conducted with other relevant agencies, the container was found to contain four vehicles with concealed quantities of 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil, the Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, cited him to say.
The second container, numbered FANU 312876/9, was intercepted on October 24, 2025, following actionable intelligence by the Customs Area Controller. The container, also carrying four vehicles, concealed 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing 8 kilograms, the statement added.
In line with established inter-agency collaboration protocols, the seized narcotic substances were also formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution and other necessary legal actions.
Onyeka commended the NDLEA and other partner-security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders, for their continued collaboration in combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
He further warned individuals and groups involved in illicit drug smuggling that such acts undermine the nation’s economy and pose grave risks to national security and public health. He urged legitimate importers and exporters to adhere strictly to trade regulations and ensure accurate declarations in all documentation.
“Let it be known that the Tin Can Island Port Command under my watch remains resolute, vigilant and uncompromising in enforcing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory,” the controller stated.
Receiving the seized items, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tincan Strategic Command, Commander Daniel Onyishi, commended the Customs’ vigilance and commitment to intercepting the illicit drugs. According to him, the handover reflects the strong spirit of collaboration between both agencies in safeguarding the nation against the menace of drug trafficking.
Onyishi restated the NDLEA’s commitment to its mandate of ensuring that all seized substances are thoroughly investigated and disposed of, in accordance with established legal procedures.
