Comptroller Onyeka Hands Over Illicit Drugs Worth #5.3 Billion Concealed in Imported Vehicles

Comptroller Onyeka Hands Over Illicit Drugs Worth #5.3 Billion Concealed in Imported Vehicles.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Tincan Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted two containers laden with motor vehicles used to conceal large quantities of of illicit drugs.

The disclosure was made during a press briefing held at its headquarters on Friday, 24 October 2025.

Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Command displayed the seizures as a testament to the command’s resolve to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.

According to Onyeka, the first container, with number HLXU 8500072 and Bill of Laden Number HLXUTOR 2506000634, originating from Montreal Canada, was intercepted on 4 September 2025 through accurate intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts. Upon 100% physical examination, jointly conducted with other relevant agencies, the said container was found to contain four vehicles with concealed quantities of 156 packets of Colorado Indica ( a strain of Cannabis) weighing 78 kilograms, and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil.

However, the second container, numbered FANU312876/9 was intercepted on 24 October 2025 following actionable intelligence provided by the Area Controller. The said container also carrying four vehicles, was found to conceal 2,081 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,093 kilograms and eight (8) packages of Crystal Methamphetamine ( Meth) weighing 8 kilograms.

The total street value of the seized illicit drugs from both operations is estimated at #5,304 billion. It will interest you know that in line with established inter-agency collaboration protocols, the seized narcotics substances have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution, and other necessary legal actions

Comptroller Onyeka commended the NDLEA and other partner security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Navy, and other stakeholders for their continued collaboration in combating drug trafficking and other international crimes.

He therefore issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in illicit drugs smuggling, noting that such acts undermine the nation’s economy and pose grave risks to national security and public health.

According to him, ” Let it that Tincan Island Port Command, under my watch, remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in enforcing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory,” he said.

Furthermore, he urged legitimate importers and exporters to adhere strictly to trade regulations and ensure accurate declarations in all documentation.

However, he expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team for their unwavering support, as well as to the media for their sustained role in public sensitization on compliance and patriotism.

He therefore commended the gallant officers and men of Tincan Island Port Command for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the command’s commitment to leveraging intelligence, technology and inter-agency collaboration to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and bring offenders to justice.

Receiving the seized narcotics, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tincan Strategic Command, Commander Daniel Onyishi, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and commitment in intercepting the illicit drugs. He noted that the handover reflects the strong spirit of collaboration between both agencies in safeguarding the nation against the menace of drug trafficking.

He said that the NDLEA remains resolute in carrying out its mandate to ensure that all seized substances are thoroughly investigated and disposed of in accordance with established legal procedures. He reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to strengthen existing partnerships with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies in the collective pursuit of a drug free Nigeria.