Tin Can Customs Hits Drugs Cartel Hard, Seizes N3.674BN Illicit Drugs Concealed In Imported Vehicles
Tin Can Customs Hits Drugs Cartel Hard, Seizes N3.674BN Illicit Drugs Concealed In Imported Vehicles
… CAC Anani leads interception of 1,200kg Cannabis cookies, gummies; vows port not safe haven for smugglers.
By Success Okezie
The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has dealt a massive blow to international drug trafficking syndicates with the interception of two 40-foot containers loaded with illicit drugs worth a staggering N3.674 billion.
The Customs Area Controller, CAC, of the Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, disclosed this on Friday in Lagos during a press briefing and formal handing over of the seized drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
Comptroller Anani said the two major seizures were the result of sustained vigilance, painstaking intelligence and seamless collaboration between officers of the NCS and the NDLEA.
According to him, the seizures underscore the Command’s collective resolve to stop the smuggling of illicit substances through the nation’s seaports and to safeguard the health, safety and security of Nigerians.
Giving details, the CAC revealed that on September 2, 2026, operatives intercepted a 40-foot container with number MSDU655132/0 at the Tin Can Island Port.
“Following a thorough 100 percent joint physical examination conducted by both agencies, the container 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 2008 Mercedes Benz and 2012 Nissan Infiniti,” Anani disclosed.
He further stated that barely two weeks later, on September 16, 2026, the Command intercepted another 40-foot container with number SKU625643/6.
A meticulous examination revealed 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N3.621 billion. The container also contained two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two used Toyota Corolla vehicles and used engine spare parts.
“The concealment of these illicit substances among vehicles and automobile spare parts further highlights the determination of smugglers to exploit containerized cargo to facilitate the movement of prohibited items,” the Controller noted.
Across the two containers, he said, the combined seizures amounted to 1,201.83 kilograms of suspected illicit drugs with a combined street value of N3.674 billion.
In line with established procedures and inter-agency collaboration, Comptroller Anani announced that the seized substances would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
“This partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA remains critical to identifying, intercepting and dismantling the activities of individuals and networks involved in drug trafficking,” he said.
He commended the gallantry, vigilance and professionalism of officers of both agencies, stressing that effective collaboration remains one of the strongest weapons against smuggling and transnational crimes.
Anani issued a stern warning to drug barons and economic saboteurs:
“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. Tin Can Island Port is not a safe haven for smugglers or criminal enterprises.”
He assured that the Command, in collaboration with relevant security and regulatory agencies, will continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, cargo examination and enforcement operations to ensure that no prohibited item slips through the port undetected.
The CAC also urged importers, licensed Customs agents, freight forwarders and other stakeholders to comply fully with extant laws and import procedures, emphasising that legitimate trade must not be used as a cover for criminal activities.
He expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for their leadership and strategic support, while lauding members of the press for their role in public enlightenment and national development
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