The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying suspected illicit drugs concealed among imported used vehicles and automobile spare parts at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
The seizures, which involved narcotic substances with a combined weight of 1,201.83 kilogrammes and an estimated street value of ₦3.67 billion, have raised concerns over the use of legitimate vehicle imports to facilitate drug trafficking into Nigeria.
The Tin Can Island Port Command of the NCS disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday through its Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara.
According to Ivara, the first container, identified as MSDU655132/0, was intercepted on September 2, 2026, during a joint enforcement operation involving Customs officers and NDLEA operatives.
A 100 per cent physical examination of the consignment 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 inside the container.
The second container, with identification number SKU625643/6, was intercepted on September 16, 2026.
Ivara said the examination revealed 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦3.62 billion.
The container also carried two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two used Toyota Corolla vehicles and assorted used engine spare parts.
He attributed the successful interceptions to the vigilance of officers and effective intelligence sharing between the two agencies, stressing that the operation demonstrated the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating drug trafficking through Nigeria’s maritime corridors.
The Customs spokesperson noted that the concealment of prohibited substances among used vehicles and automobile components reflected attempts by criminal networks to exploit containerised cargo and legitimate import channels to evade security checks.
He said the seized substances would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other actions in line with its statutory responsibilities.
Ivara commended personnel of both agencies for their professionalism and commitment, adding that the command would continue to strengthen cargo inspections, intelligence gathering, surveillance and enforcement operations to prevent the illegal importation of prohibited substances.
He also warned smugglers and other individuals involved in the illegal trade to abandon the practice, assuring Nigerians that the command remained committed to protecting public health, safety and national security.
The Customs spokesperson further urged importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and other port stakeholders to comply with existing import regulations, warning that legitimate commercial activities must not be used as a cover for criminal operations.
