Customs Intercepts Over 8 Billion Naira Worth Of Illicit Drugs At Tincan Island

Customs Intercepts Over 8 Billion Naira Worth Of Illicit Drugs At Tincan Island
…….. hands over seized drugs to NDLEA

Comptroller Frank Onyeka (R) handing over the seized drugs to NDLEA,on Monday,10 March,2025 ,at TinCan Island Port Command 

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a major victory against drug trafficking, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tincan Island Port Command has handed over illicit drugs valued at more than 8 billion Naira to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The official handover ceremony took place on Monday, March 10, 2025, in the Enforcement Unit of the Tincan Island Port Command.

Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller of the Tincan Island Port Command, presented the items to Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju of the NDLEA’s Tincan Island Strategic Command. Comptroller Onyeka praised the collaborative effort between customs officers and the NDLEA, which led to the interception of two 20-foot containers filled with concealed drugs falsely declared as used cars and auto spare parts originating from Canada.

According to Comptroller Onyeka, the seizures were made in separate operations:

1. First Container (TCNU 194586/1)**: Intercepted on February 27, 2025, it contained 128 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 63.75 kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₦414,375,000.

2. Second Container (MSMU 838666/3)**: Intercepted on December 12, 2024, it included:
– 97 packets of Crystal Methamphetamine, weighing 78.3 kilograms, valued at ₦2 billion.
– 1,735 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 867.5 kilograms, valued at ₦5.64 billion.

Seized drugs 

The total street value of the seized items amounts to ₦8,053,125,000.

Comptroller Onyeka emphasized the significance of these seizures in safeguarding national security and public health. “Our commitment to intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and enhancing operational strategies remains unwavering,” he stated.

The Customs Area Controller also urged stakeholders to support efforts in maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s borders and ports, highlighting the importance of vigilance in combating the menace of illicit drugs.

The NDLEA commended the proactive measures taken by the Tincan Island Port Command and assured continued collaboration to curb drug smuggling and protect the country from the associated risks.
Superintendent of Customs(SC) OE Ivara, PJSC Public Relations Officer, Tincan Island Port Command,made this known in a press statement.