Nigeria’s Customs Service has intercepted two shipping containers carrying suspected illicit drugs worth an estimated ₦3.67bn at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
The drugs, including cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, were concealed among imported used vehicles and automobile spare parts in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
The seizures were made by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, disclosed the interceptions in a statement issued on Friday.
According to Ivara, the first 40-foot container was intercepted on 2 September 2026.
A joint physical examination by Customs and NDLEA officers uncovered 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies weighing 598.08kg.
The container also held two used vehicles — a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti.
A second 40-foot container was intercepted on 16 September.
The inspection revealed 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75kg, with an estimated street value of ₦3.62bn, Ivara said.
The shipment also contained two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two Toyota Corolla vehicles and used engine spare parts.
The combined weight of the substances recovered from both containers was 1,201.83kg, with an estimated street value of ₦3.67bn, according to Customs.
Crackdown on drug smuggling
Ivara said the seizures highlighted attempts by drug traffickers to exploit legitimate import channels to smuggle prohibited substances into Nigeria.
He said the collaboration between Customs and the NDLEA remained crucial to identifying and disrupting drug-trafficking networks operating through the country’s seaports.
The seized substances are to be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other necessary actions.
Ivara commended officers from both agencies for their vigilance and professionalism, adding that the command would continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and cargo inspections.
He also urged importers, licensed customs agents and freight forwarders to comply with relevant import laws and regulations.
“Legitimate trade must not be used as a cover for criminal activities,” he said.
