Customs Surrenders Illicit Substances Worth N16.7 bn to NDLEA

By Mathew Johnson

The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has transferred a significant seizure of illicit drugs, valued at N16.7 billion, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after a joint intelligence‑led operation.

During the handover ceremony, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller for Tincan Island Port, highlighted that the seizure, which occurred exactly two weeks after a similar bust, underscores the persistence of criminal networks using Nigeria’s seaports to traffic dangerous substances. He also praised the vigilance, professionalism, and operational effectiveness of the security agencies that collaborated to stop the shipment.

According to Onyeka, the seizure was based on credible intelligence gathered jointly by the NCS and NDLEA. Officers from both agencies intercepted a 40‑ft container, number HAMU 247034/8, and subjected it to a thorough physical inspection.

The container, which had originated from Toronto, Canada, was found to contain 8,347 packages of Cannabis Indica, weighing a total of 4,173.5 kilograms. The estimated street value of the drugs is N16.694 billion.

Comptroller Onyeka said: “This is not just another seizure. It represents a deliberate attempt by criminal gangs to undermine national security, endanger lives, and profit from the destruction of the future of our youths and hardworking citizens. Thankfully, due to the vigilance and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies, this dangerous consignment will never make it to the streets.”

In her remarks, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics Archieabia Ibinabo Ogboba, Director of Seaport Operations for the NDLEA, explained that the Agency’s Marine Intelligence Unit, working closely with foreign partners, monitored the consignment’s movement for two to three months.

She noted that traffickers had deliberately routed the container through multiple transits and routes to evade security monitoring and frustrate law‑enforcement efforts.

Ogboba added that the successful interception was made possible by unwavering commitment, intelligence sharing, and operational synergy among all participating agencies and international partners.

The seized drugs were handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

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