The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Port Command, have seized illicit drugs valued at over ₦2.5 billion, in a breakthrough against smuggling.
In a statement shared by the command on X on Tuesday, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, revealed that the seizure followed a routine examination on 6 November at a bonded terminal. The 40-foot container, declared as carrying two used vehicles and household items, was found to contain narcotics.
“Although the consignment was declared as containing two used vehicles and household items, a joint examination by Customs Enforcement officers, the CIU, and personnel from the NDLEA, DSS, and Nigeria Police revealed otherwise,” Onyeka said.
The officers uncovered 500 grams of methamphetamine, valued at ₦7.5 million, and 49 packages of “Molly” (ecstasy) weighing 105.5 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦2.5 billion.
“The total value of the narcotics stands at ₦2,507,500,000,” he added.
Describing the interception as proof of persistent attempts by criminal networks to exploit Nigeria’s trade environment, Onyeka warned: “This seizure sends a strong and clear message to all criminal elements attempting to exploit our ports and border stations: the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to detect, intercept, and dismantle all forms of illicit trade that threaten national security, economic stability, and the well-being of our citizens.”
The Customs Area Controller also commended the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and partner security agencies for the professionalism that ensured the operation’s success.
In line with inter-agency collaboration, the TCIPC handed over the seized drugs to officials of the NDLEA. Receiving the items, NDLEA Commander, Tincan Island Strategic Command, Daniel Onyishi, praised the seamless cooperation between the agencies, saying: “Because of the synergy we are working with, all of us combined, will make sure that no illicit drug passes through this port.”
The PUNCH
