Customs Intercepts N5.3bn Worth of Cannabis, Hashish Oil at Tin Can Port — Generates 78% of Annual Revenue Target
Lagos, October 25, 2025 — In a major anti-smuggling breakthrough, the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted
two containers laden with illicit drugs valued at over ₦5.3 billion, including 1,171 kilograms of Cannabis Indica and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil, concealed within imported vehicles from Canada.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the Command headquarters, where the seized items were displayed.
According to Comptroller Onyeka, the first seizure involved a 1x40ft container (No. HLXU8500072) intercepted on September 4, 2025, through meticulous intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.
He said, “Upon 100% physical examination jointly conducted by officers of the Command and other relevant agencies, the container, which originated from Montreal, Canada, was found to contain four vehicles used to conceal 156 packets of Colorado Indica (a strain of Cannabis) weighing 78kg and 1.2kg of Hashish Oil.”
A second container, FANU 312876/9, was also intercepted on October 24, 2025, following actionable intelligence. It carried four vehicles concealing 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093kg and eight (8) packages of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing 8kg.
The total street value of the seized drugs was put at ₦5.304 billion.
Comptroller Onyeka emphasized the Command’s unwavering commitment to law enforcement and trade facilitation, stating that all seized substances and suspects had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
He also highlighted the Command’s impressive revenue performance, revealing that from January to September 2025, Tin Can Port Command generated over ₦1.1 trillion, representing 78% of its ₦1.5 trillion annual target.
“Under my watch, the Command remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in enforcing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory,” Onyeka affirmed.
He further lauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for prioritizing officer welfare, providing modern facilities, and fostering inter-agency collaboration that enhances efficiency and morale across commands.
Receiving the drugs on behalf of the NDLEA, the Controller of Narcotics and Tin Can Island Port Special Commander, David O. Onyishi, commended the Customs for its continued partnership and vigilance.
He remarked, “This synergy shows that merchants of death have no future here. Our agencies are working hand-in-hand to ensure this port remains a no-go area for drug traffickers. We are committed to keeping Nigerians safe.”
The operation underscores the growing success of joint enforcement strategies among maritime security agencies in curbing transnational drug trafficking through Nigeria’s seaports.
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