Drug traffickers foiled as NCS, NDLEA seize ₦18.9bn cannabis in Lagos

Adisa Olamilekan, Maritime Editor

Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted a massive consignment of Cannabis Indica valued at over ₦18.9 billion at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.

The seizure, described as one of the most significant in recent times, was the result of coordinated intelligence gathering, strategic collaboration, and sustained inter-agency cooperation between both enforcement bodies.

According to officials, the illicit consignment was discovered in a 40-foot container marked No. HAMU429966/1, which originated from Canada and was falsely declared to contain used vehicles.

Acting on credible intelligence, officers subjected the container to a 100 percent physical examination, leading to the discovery of 185 jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica carefully concealed alongside one used 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado.

Further inspection revealed that the seized drugs comprised 9,458 packages with a total weight of 4,729 kilograms.

Authorities estimate the street value of the narcotics at ₦18,916,000,000.
Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, commended the vigilance and professionalism of officers involved in the operation.

“This significant seizure demonstrates the vigilance, professionalism, and dedication of our officers, and affirms the strength of our collaboration with sister agencies,” Onyeka said.

He noted that the successful operation underscores the growing synergy between the NCS and NDLEA in combating illicit drug trafficking and organised crime across Nigeria’s borders.

The development follows a recent high-level meeting in Abuja between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, where both leaders resolved to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and improve accountability in narcotics enforcement.

As part of the new Standard Operating Procedures agreed at the meeting, both agencies are expected to deepen intelligence sharing, hold regular strategic engagements, and implement coordinated operational frameworks.

The headquarters of the standing Inter-Agency Committee will be domiciled at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.

Comptroller Onyeka also praised the leadership of the NCS for providing the necessary support to enhance operational efficiency, while expressing appreciation to NDLEA personnel for their continued dedication to the fight against drug trafficking.

He further acknowledged the role of port operators, security agencies, and the media in supporting enforcement efforts through information dissemination and public awareness.

Issuing a stern warning to smugglers, Onyeka stressed that enforcement agencies remain resolute in their mission to clamp down on illegal activities.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with its partners, is fully prepared and determined to detect, intercept, and prosecute all forms of illegal activities. There will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs,” he declared.

The seized narcotics have since been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with its statutory mandate.

The latest bust highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to tighten security at the nation’s ports and curb the influx of illicit drugs into the country.