The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over suspected illicit drugs valued at ₦3.67 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after intercepting two 40-foot containers at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
The seized substances, weighing a combined 1,201.83 kilogrammes, included cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, as well as Cannabis Indica concealed among imported used vehicles and automobile spare parts.
According to a report published by The PUNCH on Friday, October 9, 2026, the Tin Can Island Port Command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, said the interceptions followed joint operations by Customs officers and NDLEA personnel.
The first container, identified as MSDU655132/0, was intercepted on September 2, 2026. A joint physical examination uncovered 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies weighing 598.08 kilogrammes.
The container also carried a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti.
The second container, identified as SKU625643/6, was intercepted on September 16, 2026. Officers discovered 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦3.62 billion.
Two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two Toyota Corolla vehicles and used engine spare parts were also found in the container.
Ivara said the combined seizures were valued at approximately ₦3.67 billion, describing the concealment of the substances among imported vehicles and automobile components as an attempt to exploit containerised cargo for illicit drug trafficking.
He said the seized substances would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action under the agency’s statutory mandate.
The Customs spokesman commended officers of both agencies for their vigilance and cooperation, adding that the command would strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, cargo examinations and enforcement operations to prevent prohibited substances from entering Nigeria.
He also urged importers, licensed customs agents and freight forwarders to comply with import regulations, warning that legitimate trade must not be used as a cover for criminal activities.
