Tin Can Customs intercepts N18.9bn cannabis hidden in used vehicles from Canada, hands over to NDLEA

By Shulammite Olowofoyeku & Abigail Odubela

The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 4,729 kilograms of Cannabis Indica worth ₦18.9 billion concealed inside two used vehicles imported from Canada.

The Command’s Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this on Thursday while displaying the seized drugs to journalists at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.

He said the seizure was made following credible intelligence and sustained collaboration with officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Tin Can Island Port Strategic Command.

According to Onyeka, the container, identified as No. HAMU429966/1, was flagged based on intelligence reports and subjected to a 100 per cent physical examination.

He explained that although the consignment was declared to contain only used vehicles, officers discovered 185 jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica hidden alongside a used 2010 Toyota Camry and a used 2023 Chevrolet Colorado.

He said further examination revealed that the drugs were made up of 9,458 packages weighing 4,729 kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₦18,916,000,000.

Onyeka said the seizure underscores the vigilance, professionalism and dedication of Customs officers, while also highlighting the growing strength of inter-agency cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.

He formally handed over the illicit consignment to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

The Customs boss noted that the interception came shortly after a strategic agreement signed between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA on April 27, 2026, in Abuja to deepen intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and stronger collaboration against narcotics smuggling.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership in boosting operational capacity and fostering stronger partnerships among security agencies.

Onyeka also appreciated the NDLEA, port operators, other security agencies and the media for their continued support in protecting the nation’s borders and ports.

He warned smugglers and criminal networks that the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with partner agencies, remains fully prepared to detect, intercept and prosecute all forms of illegal trade.

“There will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs. We reaffirm our dedication to protecting Nigeria’s
economy, safeguarding public health, and ensuring national security, ” he said.

Receiving the seized drugs, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Omotoso Solomon, attributed the successful seizure to strong collaboration among security agencies and proactive leadership within the Tin Can Customs Command.

He added that the operation was intelligence-led, involving the gathering and careful analysis of information before Customs officers were engaged for a coordinated joint operation.