TinCan Customs Tackles Drug Peddlers Headlong, Hands Over N5.3Bn Worth of Illicit Drug Seizure Concealed in Imported Vehicles
Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, CAC, TinCan Command, NCS
The TinCan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has continued to demonstrate its complete leadership capabilities on her mandates of remarkable revenue collection trajectory, robust anti-smuggling drive and facilitation of legitimate trade.
The present firm and positive leadership grip of Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) on the command is waxing stronger with deliberate attempt to operationally repositioned the command to global best practices in line with the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR reform agenda, as been witnessed in its recent enforcement exploits.
Comptroller Onyeka Addressing the Media at the event
In the Onyeka led moves to stamp out import and export defaulters, as well as economic saboteurs still operating within the command’s trade fold with key pointers on recent anti-smuggling developments, the command under his watch has recently announced the interception of two containers laden with motor vehicles used to conceal significant quantities of illicit drugs.
This disclosure, according to a press statement signed by CSC OE Ivara, the command’s
Public Relations Officer, was made by the CAC during a press briefing held at its headquarters on Friday, 24 October 2025, where Comptroller Frank Onyeka highlighted the seizures as a testament to the Command’s resolve to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.
Breaking down the seizures, the Area Controller said, the first container, with number HLXU8500072 and Bill of Lading Number HLCUTOR2506000834, originating from Montreal, Canada, was intercepted on 4 September 2025 through meticulous intelligence and coordinated enforcement efforts. Upon 100% physical examination, jointly conducted with other relevant agencies, the 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.
In same vein, he revealed that the second container, numbered FANU 312876/9, was intercepted on 24 October 2025, following actionable intelligence provided by the Customs Area Controller. The container was also said to be carrying four vehicles, and 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.
However, the total street value of the illicit drugs seized from both operations in estimate is put at N5.304 billion.
Meanwhile, in line with established inter-agency collaboration protocols, the seized narcotic substances was formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution, and other necessary legal actions.
Further in his address, Comptroller Onyeka commended the NDLEA and other partner security agencies – including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy, and other stakeholders—for their continued collaboration in combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.
He however unequivocally, issued stern warning to individuals and groups involved in illicit drug smuggling, noting that such acts undermine the nation’s economy and pose grave risks to national security and public health.
The Illicit Drugs seizure
In his words, “Let it be known that Tin Can 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,” the CAC stated.
In his affirmed support for legitimate trade, Comptroller Frank Onyeka urged legitimate importers and exporters to continue to adhere strictly to trade regulations and ensure accurate declarations in all documentation.
Onyeka however expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for their continuous support, as well as to the media for their sustained role in public sensitization on compliance and patriotism.
He also commended the gallant officers and men of Tin Can Island Port Command for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to leveraging intelligence, technology, and inter-agency cooperation to secure Nigeria’s maritime borders and bring offenders to justice.
Meanwhile in his response, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Tincan Strategic Command, Commander Daniel Onyishi, who received the seized items on behalf of NDLEA, 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.
Onyishi also emphasized 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 further 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.
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