AGAIN, TINCAN COMMAND BEATS SMUGGLERS AT THEIR OWN GAME, INTERCEPTS 8,347 PACKAGES OF CANNABIS INDICA
By Mcanthony Onuoha
The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port Command, on Wednesday, 13th of May, 2026, recorded yet another massive seizure of illicit drug tested to be Cannabis Indica.
The significant feat closely trailed another record of massive seizure of same cannabis indica by Tincan Command penultimate week.
Briefing journalists before handing over the seizure to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency -NDLEA, the Customs Area Controller, Tincan Port Command, Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, disclosed that the major interception was made possible through intelligence and collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Expressing worries over the recalcitrant disposition of some diehard elements, Onyeka said that the relentless attempts to smuggle in controlled drugs buttresses the fact that criminal networks are still desperate to use the ports to push dangerous substances into the country. He added that the seizures showed that officers of the Nigeria Customs and sister security agencies are alert, focused, and fully committed to emasculate their criminal enterprises.
According to the Controller, “acting on credible intelligence gathered jointly by the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA, officers of the Enforcement unit intercepted and subjected a 1×40ft container with number HAMU 247034/8 to a thorough physical examination.”
“Consequently, the container which also originated from Canada, just like the previous one was found to contain 8,347 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing a total of 4,173.5kilograms with an estimated street value of N16,694,000,000(Sixteen Billion,Six Hundred and Ninety- Four Million Naira).
Speaking further, the controller said,” this is not just another seizure. This represents a deliberate attempt to jeopardize National Security, endanger lives and profit from the destruction of hardworking young men and women of our country. Thankfully, due to the vigilance and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies, that consignment will not get to the streets.”
“Let me assure Nigerians that this Command is not relenting. Recent events have strengthened our resolve. We will continue to intensify surveillance, deepen intelligence gathering, and sustain our collaboration with the NDLEA and other security agencies to ensure more interceptions are made.
The Controller disclosed that his team was determined to go beyond seizures and that those behind the shipments would be identified, traced, arrested, and prosecuted. He strongly warned insider collaborators aiding criminal activities and promised that the command would not spare anyone found compromising national security for personal gain, adding that no matter how long it took, such individuals would be tracked down and dealt with according to the law.
He thanked the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa CFR(Rtd), for the successful partnership agreement reached in the interest of National Security and the fight against illicit activities, adding that the development was a clear demonstration of the commitment of both agencies towards strengthening inter- agency collaboration and intelligence sharing.
Responding, the Director, Seaport Operations National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, ACGN Ibinabo Achie Abia fsi, said that the agency was at the command to take over exhibits of prohibited weeds which tested positive for Cannabis Indica weighing a total of 4,173.5kg, alongside vehicles used as conveyances for the illicit drugs which shall proceed through the necessary legal processes for final forfeiture in accordance with the law.
According to the Director, “it is instructive to commend the professionalism, resilience, and dedication displayed by the cooperating sister agencies especially, our landlord; the Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, and other security organizations during the joint examination through which the substance was recovered from the targeted container.
” The marine intelligence unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, working in close collaboration with our foreign partners – particularly the Homeland Security Investigations, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police – diligently and tenaciously monitored the movement and trail of this particular consignment for over two to three months.”
The achievement once again demonstrates the effectiveness of inter – agency cooperation, international collaboration, and intelligence- driven operations in combating transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking.”
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, under the able leadership of our visionary and indefatigable leader, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa(Rtd) CON, remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in its mandate to rid our society of narcotic substances and protect the future of our nation”, the Director stated.
