Nigeria Customs Unveils ₦3.67 Billion Drug Smuggling Operation at Tin Can Island Port
The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the NDLEA, intercepted two containers at Tin Can Island Port containing illicit drugs hidden in vehicles and spare parts. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling in the country.
The Abuja Times

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, uncovering a staggering ₦3.67 billion worth of narcotics concealed within imported vehicles and automobile spare parts. The operation, carried out in conjunction with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), took place at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, where two 40-foot containers were seized.
According to Oscar Ivara, the Public Relations Officer for the NCS at the Tin Can Island Port Command, the first container was intercepted on September 2, 2026. A meticulous joint examination by customs officers and NDLEA agents revealed that it contained 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, weighing a total of 598.08 kilograms, alongside two used vehicles—a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti.
The second container, which was flagged on September 16, 2026, also yielded alarming findings. A thorough inspection uncovered 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica, further emphasizing the sophisticated methods employed by traffickers to evade detection. The concealment of narcotics within vehicles and spare parts demonstrates a worrying trend in the smuggling of illicit substances into Nigeria.
This operation underscores the importance of vigilance among law enforcement agencies as they work collaboratively to combat drug trafficking. The NCS has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the nation by preventing the influx of illegal drugs and safeguarding public health.
“The success of this operation is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our officers,” Ivara stated, urging the public to remain vigilant against drug abuse and trafficking.
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