By Joy Enamuna

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has handed over seized illicit drugs worth over ₦8 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The contraband, intercepted at the port, was officially transferred in a brief ceremony at the Command’s Enforcement Unit.

Speaking at the event, Customs Area Controller Frank Onyeka emphasized that the seizures were made possible through intelligence gathering and collaboration with the NDLEA.

He handed over the items to the Commander of NDLEA’s Tincan Island Strategic Command, Mitchell Ofoyeju, reaffirming the Customs’ commitment to protecting Nigeria from drug-related threats.

According to Comptroller Onyeka, the intercepted shipments arrived in two separate 20-foot containers, falsely declared as used cars and auto spare parts from Canada.

The first container, intercepted on February 27, 2025, contained 128 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 63.75 kilograms, valued at ₦414.3 million.

The second container, seized on December 12, 2024, held 97 packets of Crystal Methamphetamine (78.3kg) valued at ₦2 billion, along with 1,735 packets of Cannabis Indica (867.5kg) worth ₦5.64 billion. The total street value of the confiscated drugs was estimated at ₦8.05 billion.

Onyeka stressed that these seizures highlight the Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to national security and public health.

He reassured that the Command will continue to improve its intelligence and operational strategies to combat smuggling and other illegal activities.

He further called on all stakeholders to support the agency’s efforts in securing Nigeria’s borders and ports, emphasizing that inter-agency cooperation remains vital in tackling drug trafficking and related crimes.