PTML Customs Command Confiscates Illicit Drugs Worth #29.4 Billion

PTML Customs Command Confiscates Illicit Drugs Worth #29.4 Billion.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Port And Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a total of 50 packages containing 20 parcels each of illicit drugs worth #29,403,738,000.

The seizure made on the 7th October, 2025 was brought to the attention of the Area Controller Comptroller Joe Anani during the process of disinfecting 39 empty containers that were brought into the country for loading of exports consignments, where a 1×20 ft container number GCNU 1332851 was discovered.

The command immediately swung into action and invited the NDLEA, Department of State Service, Police Anti Bomb Squad among others.

However, a total of 50 packages containing 20 parcels each of illicit drugs worth #29.4 billion were found inside the container. Rapid test conducted on the substances proves positive to be cocaine. It was jointly weighed by the command and other security sister agencies to be weighing 1000 kg (1 tonne).

Duty Paid Value of the cocaine was put at #29,403,738,000.

Preliminary investigation revealed that container obtained from the terminal operator was loaded on a vessel as an empty container as at the last point of call which is Freetown, Sierra Leone.

No arrest was made as no consignee in respect of the container arriving Nigeria since it did not come as import. The terminal operators brought it empty to be use for conveyance of export good.

Worthy to note is that the illicit drugs happened to be first drug seizure in PTML’s history and also it’s one of the most mysterious cocaine interceptions in the service:s record.

The illicit drugs did not come into the country as an import consignments, the container where the seizure was made was brought in by the terminal operators for export use.

The discovery was first made by PTML terminal, who alerted us of the unusual packages laden in a purported empty container from Sierra Leone.

Furthermore, the seizure underscores the cooperation and collaboration we enjoy as a command with our terminal operator and sister agencies.

Comptroller Joe Anani on behalf of the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, handed over the seizure to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for thorough investigation possible prosecution.