Customs intercepts container from Canada, makes shocking discovery

Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Command, have intercepted a container that arrived from Canada and another from a separate origin, uncovering shocking quantities of illicit drugs valued at more than ₦5.3 billion.

According to Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the containers were found to have illicit drugs worth over ₦5.3 billion.

Confirming the seizures in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday, Onyeka said the operation reflected the command’s commitment to intelligence-led border enforcement and trade compliance.

He explained that the first container, numbered HLXU8500072, originated from Montreal, Canada, and was intercepted on Sept. 4 after intelligence analysis.

A joint physical examination uncovered 156 packets of Colorado Indica weighing 78 kilograms and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil hidden inside four imported vehicles.

READ ALSO:2 killed, others arrested as attempt to kidnap Customs officer backfires

The second container, numbered FANU312876/9, was seized on Friday, Oct. 24, following actionable intelligence received by the command.

It 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 total value of the seized drugs was estimated at ₦5.304 billion, according to customs valuation reports.

Onyeka said the narcotics had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for investigation and prosecution.

He commended the NDLEA, Navy, Police, and other agencies for their cooperation in the operation.

The controller stressed that the command would remain vigilant and uncompromising in enforcing Nigeria’s laws and trade conventions.

He urged importers and exporters to comply fully with customs regulations and ensure truthful documentation.

Onyeka thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his support and appreciated the media’s role in public sensitisation.

Receiving the items, Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tin Can Strategic Command, Daniel Onyishi, praised Customs for its vigilance and professionalism.

Onyishi said the operation reflected a strong spirit of inter-agency collaboration against drug trafficking.

He assured that the NDLEA would conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the legal disposal of the seized substances.