The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Tincan Island Port has handed over illicit drugs valued at over N8bn to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The seizure, detailed in a statement released on Monday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, followed intelligence-led operations conducted by Customs officers in collaboration with the NDLEA.
Customs Area Controller, Frank Onyeka, revealed that the drugs were concealed within 20ft containers falsely declared as containing used cars and spare parts, originating from Canada.
“One 20ft container, intercepted on February 27th, contained 128 packets of cannabis indica, weighing 63.75 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N414m,” Mr Onyeka stated.
A second container, intercepted in December, was found to contain 97 packets of crystal methamphetamine (78.3kg), valued at N2bn, and 1,735 packets of cannabis indica (867.5kg), valued at N5.6bn. This brought the total value of the seized drugs to N8bn.
Mr Onyeka emphasised the command’s commitment to protecting the nation from the dangers of illicit drugs. He reiterated the NCS’s dedication to facilitating trade while remaining vigilant against activities that threaten national security and public health.
He highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance operational strategies, including intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration, to combat smuggling and other illicit activities. Mr Onyeka also called on stakeholders to support the command’s efforts in maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s borders and ports.
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