The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying suspected illicit drugs valued at an estimated ₦3.67bn at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
The seized substances, which included Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, as well as Cannabis Indica, were concealed among imported used vehicles and automobile spare parts.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, attributing the seizures to the vigilance of Customs officers and collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to Ivara, the first 40-foot container, with identification number MSDU655132/0, was intercepted on September 2, 2026.
“Following a thorough 100 per cent joint physical examination conducted by both agencies, it was found to contain a total of 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, with a combined weight of 598.08 kilograms, alongside two used vehicles, namely a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti,” he said.
Ivara disclosed that a second 40-foot container, identified as SKU625643/6, was intercepted on September 16, 2026.
A physical examination revealed 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦3.62bn, he said.
The second container also contained two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two used Toyota Corolla vehicles and used engine spare parts.
According to the Customs spokesman, the combined seizures weighed 1,201.83 kilogrammes and had an estimated street value of ₦3.67bn.
He said the concealment of the substances among used vehicles and automobile spare parts highlighted the methods smugglers employ to exploit containerised cargo to bring prohibited items into the country.
Ivara added that the interceptions demonstrated the commitment of the NCS and the NDLEA to preventing the smuggling of illicit substances through Nigeria’s seaports and protecting public health and safety.
He said the seized substances would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other necessary actions within the agency’s statutory mandate.
“This partnership between the NCS and the NDLEA remains critical to identifying, intercepting and dismantling the activities of individuals and networks involved in drug trafficking,” Ivara said.
Customs warns smugglers
The Customs spokesman commended officers of both agencies for their vigilance and professionalism, noting that inter-agency cooperation remained essential to combating smuggling and other transnational crimes.
He also warned smugglers and individuals involved in the illegal importation of prohibited substances to desist from such activities.
“Let me use this opportunity to send a clear and unequivocal message to smugglers and all individuals engaged in the illegal importation of prohibited substances: desist from these criminal activities immediately,” he said.
Ivara assured that the Tin Can Island Port Command would continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, cargo examination and enforcement operations in collaboration with relevant security and regulatory agencies.
He urged importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and other port stakeholders to comply with applicable laws, regulations and import procedures.
“Legitimate trade must not be used as a cover for criminal activities,” he added.
