Story by Dili Utomi.
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The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in its anti-smuggling duty has dealt a great blow to the finances of illegal traders. This is because the Command working in collaboration with sister agencies has seized a humongous amount of Cannabis Indica, a more potent strain of Cannabis that was imported into the country.
Briefing newsmen about the seizure on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka said “Today we gather to inform you about the recent development in our operations to secure ournation’s borders and ensure public safety, which aligns with the topic of this year’s WCO 2026 International Customs Day, “Customs ProtectingSociety through Vigilance and Commitment.”
“Precisely on Wednesday 28 January, 2026, after an extensive physical examination conducted by our officers, alongside other relevant agencies, which included the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Department of State Services (DSS), with the declarant, a 1x40ft container with No.HLXU841299/0 was found to contain a total of Fifty Five jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica and one (1) Colt’s MK IV / Series 70 .45 Automatic Caliber Pistol (S419) with one (1) empty magazine”.
He noted that the fifty-five (55) jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica recovered are comprised of 2,366 packages with a combined weight of 1,183 kilograms. The seized narcotics have an estimated street value of Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Two Million Naira (₦4,732,000,000) and that one (1) suspect has been arrested in connection with the seizure.
His words “The Examination revealed that the following were used as means of concealment of the prohibited and undeclared items:
Three (3) used vehicles, namely:
1 used Hyundai Santa Fe
1 used Toyota Sienna
1 used Toyota Matrix”.
In consonant with inter-agency cooperation, the seized narcotics were formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution, in line with existing laws. The firearm, the CAC noted will also be handed over to the relevant agency in the soonest possible time.
The Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Onyeka added reiterates that it will not tolerate drug smuggling or any form of transnational crime and remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding national security and public health.
The Command assures the public of its sustained vigilance and determination to combat smuggling and other illegal activities at all ports of entry.
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