The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying suspected illicit drugs valued at approximately ₦3.67 billion at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
The substances, which included Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies as well as Cannabis Indica, were allegedly concealed among imported used vehicles and automobile spare parts in an attempt to bring them into the country.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, disclosed the seizures in a statement on Friday, attributing the interceptions to the vigilance of Customs officers and collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to Ivara, the first container, identified as MSDU655132/0, was intercepted on September 2, 2026. A joint physical examination by officers of both agencies uncovered 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies weighing 598.08 kilogrammes.
The container also held two used vehicles: a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti.
The second container, identified as SKU625643/6, was intercepted on September 16, 2026. Examination revealed 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦3.62 billion.
Two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two used Toyota Corolla vehicles and assorted used engine spare parts were also found inside the container.
Ivara said the combined weight of the suspected illicit substances recovered from both containers was 1,201.83 kilogrammes, with an estimated total street value of ₦3.67 billion.
He noted that hiding prohibited substances among vehicles and automobile components demonstrated how smugglers attempt to exploit containerised cargo to move illegal goods through the country’s seaports.
The Customs spokesperson said the operation reflected the commitment of the NCS and the NDLEA to curbing drug trafficking and preventing prohibited substances from entering Nigeria.
He added that the seized items would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other actions within the agency’s statutory responsibilities.
Ivara commended officers of both agencies for their professionalism, stressing that cooperation between Customs and drug enforcement authorities remained essential to identifying and disrupting networks involved in illicit drug trafficking.
He warned individuals involved in the illegal importation of prohibited substances to desist from such activities, adding that the command would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, cargo inspections, surveillance and enforcement operations in partnership with relevant agencies.
The command also urged importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and other stakeholders to comply with import regulations, warning that legitimate commercial activities must not be used to conceal criminal operations.
