Faisal Salisu DambattaThe Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Command, has successfully intercepted two containers of vehicles that were utilized to hide illicit drugs valued at over ₦5.3 billion.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, verified the seizures in a statement released in Lagos on Friday.
Onyeka stated that the operation demonstrated the command’s dedication to intelligence-driven border enforcement and adherence to trade regulations.
He elaborated that the first container, identified by the number HLXU8500072, came from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on September 4 following an analysis of intelligence.
A collaborative physical inspection revealed 156 packets of Colorado Indica weighing 78 kilograms and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil concealed within four imported vehicles.
The second container, marked FANU312876/9, was confiscated on Friday, October 24, as a result of actionable intelligence received by the command.
This container held 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing eight kilograms, hidden within four vehicles.
The overall value of the confiscated drugs was estimated at ₦5.304 billion, according to customs valuation reports.
Onyeka mentioned that the narcotics have been transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.
He praised the NDLEA, Navy, Police, and other agencies for their collaboration in the operation.
The controller emphasized that the command would continue to be vigilant and steadfast in upholding Nigeria’s laws and trade conventions.
He encouraged importers and exporters to fully adhere to customs regulations and guarantee accurate documentation.
Onyeka expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his assistance and acknowledged the media’s contribution to public awareness.
Upon receiving the items, Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Daniel Onyishi, commended Customs for its vigilance and professionalism.
Onyishi remarked that the operation demonstrated a robust spirit of inter-agency cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.
He assured everyone that the NDLEA would carry out a comprehensive investigation and ensure the lawful disposal of the confiscated substances.
