Tincan customs hands over N8bn seized drugs stashed in two containers to NDLEA

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Command said it has handed over illicit drugs worth over N8 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) at the port.

The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Frank Onyeka, while giving details of the seizure explained that two 20ft containers each intercepted in batches between December 2024 and February 2025 were falsely declared to contain used cars and used spare parts originating from Canada was means of conveyance.

In a press statement made available on Monday by the tincan Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Oscar Ivara, the feat was made possible through the collaborative efforts of her officers/men and NDLEA.

“One 20ft container with registration number TNTCNU 194586/1, intercepted on the 27 of February, was found to contain 128 packets of cannabis indica, weighing 63.75 kilograms with an estimated street value of N414m,” Onyeka said.

The Tincan customs boss further said that the second container with registration number MSMU 838666/3, which was intercepted in December, was found to contain 97 packets of crystal methamphetamine, weighing 78.3 kilograms, valued at N2bn.

“And 1,735 packets of cannabis indica weighing 867.5 kilograms valued at N5.6bn. This brought the total value of the seized drugs to N8bn,” he said.

CAC Onyema stated that the seizures underscored the command’s dedication to safeguarding the nation from the menace of illicit drugs.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to facilitating trade while remaining vigilant against activities that threaten national security and public health.

He charged all the stakeholders to support the efforts of the Command in maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s borders and ports.

Maintained the resolve of the command to continue to enhance its operational strategies, including intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration, to effectively combat smuggling and other illicit activities.