The Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant seizure of illicit drugs at the Tin Can Island Command, Lagos. According to Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller, two containers of vehicles were used to conceal the drugs, which have an estimated value of ₦5.3 billion.
The first container, which originated from Montreal, Canada, was intercepted on September 4 after intelligence analysis. Upon physical examination, 156 packets of Colorado Indica weighing 78 kilograms and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil were found hidden inside four imported vehicles. The second container, seized on October 24, contained 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight packages of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing eight kilograms, concealed in four vehicles.
The Narcotics Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken custody of the seized substances for investigation and prosecution. Comptroller Onyeka commended the NDLEA, Navy, Police, and other agencies for their cooperation in the operation. He emphasized that the command will remain vigilant in enforcing Nigeria’s laws and trade conventions, urging importers and exporters to comply with customs regulations and ensure truthful documentation.
The seizure highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led border enforcement and inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking. The NDLEA has assured that it will conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the legal disposal of the seized substances. This operation is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to curb the illicit drug trade in Nigeria and underscores the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
The Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA have demonstrated their commitment to tackling drug trafficking and ensuring that those involved are held accountable. The international community has been urged to cooperate in efforts to combat the global menace of drug trafficking, which has far-reaching consequences for public health, security, and economic development. As investigations continue, it is expected that more details will emerge on the individuals and organizations involved in this illicit trade.