The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying suspected illicit drugs valued at ₦3.67 billion at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, following a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The drugs, weighing a combined 1,201.83 kilogrammes, were concealed among imported used vehicles and automobile spare parts in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
The seized substances included Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, as well as Cannabis Indica, according to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara.
Ivara said the first container, identified as MSDU655132/0, was intercepted on September 2, 2026.
A joint physical examination conducted by Customs and NDLEA officers uncovered 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies weighing 598.08 kilogrammes.
The consignment also contained two used vehicles: a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti.
The second container, with identification number SKU625643/6, was intercepted on September 16.
According to Ivara, the examination revealed 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦3.62 billion.
Two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two Toyota Corolla vehicles and used engine spare parts were also found inside the container.
The Customs spokesperson said the combined seizures from both consignments had an estimated street value of ₦3.67 billion.
He noted that the concealment of prohibited substances among vehicles and spare parts demonstrated how criminal networks were exploiting containerized cargo to smuggle illicit drugs into Nigeria.
Ivara said the operation reflected the commitment of Customs and the NDLEA to preventing drug trafficking through the country’s seaports and safeguarding public health and security.
He added that the seized substances would be formally transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and other necessary action within the agency’s statutory responsibilities.
“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,” he said.
Ivara commended officers from both agencies for their vigilance and professionalism, describing inter-agency cooperation as essential to tackling smuggling and other forms of transnational crime.
He also warned smugglers and those involved in the illegal importation of prohibited substances to abandon their activities.
The Tin Can Island Port Command, he said, would continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, cargo inspections and enforcement operations in collaboration with relevant security and regulatory agencies.
Ivara urged importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and other port stakeholders to comply with applicable laws, import regulations and clearance procedures.
“Legitimate trade must not be used as a cover for criminal activities,” he said.
