: DRUG HAUL AT TIN CAN PORT; AS COMPT ONYEKA INTERCEPTS N18.9 BILLION CANNABIS INDICA SHIPPED IN FROM CANADA
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
The Tin Can Island command has made one of the biggest drug seizures in recent times, as it just intercepted no less than N18.916 billion worth of cannabis Indica. Briefing newsmen at the Tin Can Island port today, the Customs Area Controller, Compt Frank Onyeka said this followed credible intelligence and sustained inter-agency cooperation with the personnel of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
A 100 percent examination had been conducted on a container No HAMU429966/1 which has been red-flagged through intelligence gathered. Onyeka stated that the container which originated from Canada was initially declared to contain only used vehicles.
However, upon thorough examination it was revealed that the seized Cannabis Indica comprised 9,458 packages, with a total weight of 4,729 kilograms, and an estimated street value of ₦18,916,000,000.00 (Eighteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Sixteen Million Naira).
According to him, this significant seizure demonstrates the vigilance, professionalism, and dedication of our officers, and affirms the strength of their collaboration with sister agencies. Today, they formally hand over these illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution in line with their statutory mandate.
He said this achievement is particularly significant as it comes shortly after the historic agreement between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen inter-agency synergy against drug trafficking and organized crime. This framework, which is already yielding tangible results, was signed on April 27, 2026, at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD.
As part of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the agreement, both agencies are to follow on strengthening inter-agency collaboration through regular engagements, structured intelligence sharing, and develop coordinated operational guidelines to ensure seamless collaboration. Additionally, the agreement establishes that the headquarter of the standing inter Agency committee is to be domiciled at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Headquarters, Abuja.
‘Let me use this opportunity to express our profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc(+) PhD, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support in strengthening operational capacity and inter-agency collaboration.’
They also extended their gratitude to the leadership and personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for their professionalism, cooperation, and dedication to safeguarding our nation from the menace of illicit drugs. “To our critical stakeholders, including port operators, security agencies, and members of the media, we thank you for your continuous support and partnership. Your role in information dissemination and public awareness is invaluable”.
He deposed that the Tincan Island Port Command remains resolute in its commitment to intensifying synergy with all relevant agencies to secure our borders and ports. They will continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies and robust enforcement measures to combat smuggling and illicit trade.
He sounds a clear warning to all smugglers and criminal elements: the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with its partners, is fully prepared and determined to detect, intercept, and prosecute all forms of illegal activities. There will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs.
In conclusion, he reaffirms their dedication to protecting Nigeria’s economy, safeguarding public health, and ensuring national security.