Customs Uncovers ₦3.67bn Drug Haul in Imported Cars, Spare Parts
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying suspected illicit drugs worth an estimated ₦3.67 billion at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
The seizures were made in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), following the discovery of cannabis-infused food products and other cannabis substances concealed among imported used vehicles and automobile spare parts.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, disclosed the interceptions in a statement issued on Friday, attributing the operation to the vigilance of Customs officers and cooperation between the two agencies.
According to Ivara, the first container, identified by the number MSDU655132/0, was intercepted on September 2, 2026. A joint physical examination conducted by Customs and NDLEA officers revealed 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies weighing 598.08 kilogrammes.
The container also contained two used vehicles: a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti. The illicit substances were allegedly concealed among the imported vehicles to evade detection during cargo inspection.
Ivara said a second 40-foot container, bearing identification number SKU625643/6, was intercepted on September 16, 2026. Examination of the shipment uncovered 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦3.62 billion.
The second container also contained two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two used Toyota Corolla vehicles and used engine spare parts.
The combined weight of the substances recovered from both containers was 1,201.83 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦3.67 billion, according to the Customs spokesperson.
Ivara said the concealment of illicit substances among vehicles and automobile parts highlighted attempts by smugglers to exploit containerised cargo and legitimate import channels to bring prohibited products into Nigeria.
He added that the interceptions demonstrated the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA to preventing drug trafficking through the country’s seaports and protecting public health and safety.
The seized substances are to be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other actions within the agency’s statutory responsibilities.
Ivara described cooperation between the two agencies as critical to identifying and disrupting the activities of individuals and networks involved in drug trafficking. He also commended the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and professionalism.
“Let me use this opportunity to send a clear and unequivocal message to smugglers and all individuals engaged in the illegal importation of prohibited substances: desist from these criminal activities immediately,” he warned.
He said the Tin Can Island Port Command would continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, cargo examinations and enforcement operations in collaboration with relevant security and regulatory agencies.
The Customs spokesperson also urged importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and other stakeholders to comply with applicable import laws and procedures, warning against the use of legitimate trade to facilitate criminal activities.
“Legitimate trade must not be used as a cover for criminal activities,” Ivara added.
The interception adds to ongoing efforts by Nigerian law enforcement agencies to prevent illicit drugs from entering the country through its maritime gateways. The concealment of controlled substances in ordinary consumer goods, vehicles and spare parts also underscores the importance of intelligence-led inspections and cooperation between agencies responsible for border security and drug enforcement.
