Society
Customs Stops Flooding Of Communities With ₦16.6 billion Worth Drug
illicit consignment was intercepted in a joint operation
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has intensified its anti-drug operations with the interception of 4,173.5 kilograms of cannabis Indica valued at approximately ₦16.6 billion.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller of Customs Frank Onyeka, during a press briefing on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, disclosed that the illicit consignment was intercepted in a joint operation involving officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA following credible intelligence on the activities of drug trafficking syndicates attempting to smuggle narcotics through the Lagos port corridor.
According to him, the 40ft container, which originated from Canada, concealed 8,457 parcels of cannabis Indica, allegedly meant for distribution within Nigeria.
“This is not just another seizure. This represents a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to jeopardise National Security, endanger lives and profit from the destruction of our hardworking young men and women of our country. Thankfully, due to the vigilance and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies, that consignment will not get to the streets”, he stated.
Comptroller Onyeka assured Nigerians that the command would continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency cooperation to prevent further smuggling attempts through the nation’s ports.
He noted that investigations were ongoing to identify and prosecute all those connected to the shipment. “The Command will not spare anyone found compromising national security for personal gain. No matter how long it takes, such individuals will be tracked down and dealt with according to the law.”
The illicit consignment was handed over to the Director of Seaport Operations at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ibinabo Abia.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the NDLEA to rid the country of Narcotics and protect Nigerian youths from the dangers of illicit drugs.
The seizure comes barely two weeks after the command recorded another major interception of Cannabis Indica through intelligence-driven collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA, underscoring the growing synergy between the two agencies in combating illicit drug trafficking at the nation’s seaports.
