The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted
40-foot container loaded with 8,347 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 4,173.5 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N16.694 billion.
Briefing Journalists on Wednesday, the Controller of the command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka said the latest seizure followed credible intelligence jointly gathered by the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA.
Officers of the Enforcement Unit reportedly subjected the container, identified as HAMU 247034/8 which originated from Canada, to a detailed physical examination before discovering the illicit drugs concealed inside.
He described the interception as another indication that criminal networks remain determined to use Nigerian ports to traffic dangerous substances into the country.
The Controller noted that the successful operation also demonstrated the vigilance and commitment of security agencies working to combat drug trafficking and smuggling.
“This is not just another seizure,” Onyeka stated during the briefing. “It represents a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to jeopardize national security, endanger lives, and profit from the destruction of hardworking young men and women in the country.”
He assured Nigerians that the command would intensify surveillance operations, strengthen intelligence gathering, and deepen collaboration with sister security agencies, especially the NDLEA, to prevent further illegal importation through the ports.
He also said the command will move beyond seizures by identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the shipment, including any insider collaborators aiding criminal operations.
The controller commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, for strengthening inter-agency cooperation and intelligence sharing in the fight against illicit trafficking.
The controller said the seized drugs would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution of suspects linked to the shipment.
