Lagos: The Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a significant breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations, seizing illicit drugs valued at ₦5.3 billion.
The interception underscores the Command’s vigilance in curbing narcotics trafficking and safeguarding public health through enhanced border security..
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, confirmed the seizures in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday.
Onyeka said the operation reflected the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led border enforcement and trade compliance.
He explained that the first container, numbered HLXU8500072, originated from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on Sept. 4 after intelligence analysis.
A joint physical examination uncovered 156 packets of Colorado Indica weighing 78 kilograms and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil hidden inside four imported vehicles.
The second container, numbered FANU312876/9, was seized on Friday, Oct. 24, following actionable intelligence received by the Command.
It contained 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing eight kilograms, concealed in four vehicles.
The total value of the seized drugs was estimated at ₦5.304 billion, according to customs valuation reports.
Onyeka said the narcotics had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for investigation and prosecution.
He commended the NDLEA, Navy, Police, and other agencies for their cooperation in the operation.
The controller stressed that the Command would remain vigilant and uncompromising in enforcing Nigeria’s laws and trade conventions.