Customs Intercepts ₦3.67bn Drugs Hidden in Imported Cars, Spare Parts

The Nigeria Customs Service NCS, Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two 40-foot containers containing suspected illicit drugs worth an estimated ₦3.67 billion at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The substances, which included cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, as well as Cannabis Indica, were concealed among imported used vehicles and automobile spare parts.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, disclosed the seizures in a statement on Friday, attributing the operation to the vigilance of Customs officers and collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA.

Ivara said the first container, identified by number MSDU655132/0, was intercepted on September 2, 2026. A joint physical examination by officers of both agencies reportedly uncovered 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies weighing 598.08 kilogrammes.

Two used vehicles, a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti, were also found in the container.

The second 40-foot container, with identification number SKU625643/6, was intercepted on September 16. A physical examination revealed 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦3.62 billion.

The container also held two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two used Toyota Corolla vehicles and assorted used engine spare parts.

According to Ivara, the combined weight of the substances recovered from both containers was 1,201.83 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦3.67 billion.

He said the seizures highlighted attempts by smugglers to exploit containerised cargo and legitimate imports to transport prohibited substances into the country.

The command stated that the seized drugs would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other actions within the agency’s statutory mandate.

Ivara commended officers of both agencies for their vigilance and professionalism, noting that inter-agency cooperation remained critical to identifying and dismantling drug-trafficking networks.

He warned individuals involved in the illegal importation of prohibited substances to desist from such activities, adding that the command would strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, cargo examination and enforcement operations.

The Customs spokesperson also urged importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and other stakeholders to comply with relevant laws and import procedures, stressing that legitimate trade must not be used to conceal criminal activities.