The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Command, said it intercepted a consignment of cannabis sativa valued at N18.96bn, concealed inside imported vehicles.

Addressing journalists at the command on Thursday, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Frank Onyeka, said the interception followed what he described as a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Onyeka disclosed that the contraband, loaded in a container marked HAMU 429961 and shipped from Canada, was falsely declared to contain only used vehicles.

According to him, acting on credible intelligence, officers of the command conducted a 100 per cent physical examination of the container and discovered 185 jumbo bags of cannabis concealed in a used 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet vehicle, “in a deliberate attempt to evade detection.”

“Further examination revealed a total of 9,450 packages of cannabis with a combined weight of 4,729 kilograms and an estimated street value of N18.96bn,” Onyeka added.

Onyeka described the seizure as a major breakthrough, stressing that it underscores the vigilance, professionalism, and dedication of officers, as well as the growing effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration.

“This significant seizure demonstrates the strength of our intelligence-driven operations and the synergy between the NCS and sister agencies, particularly the NDLEA,” he said.

The Tincan Island Customs boss noted that the interception comes shortly after a formal agreement between the NCS and NDLEA aimed at strengthening cooperation in tackling drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

“As part of the agreement signed on April 27, 2026, both agencies are committed to enhanced intelligence sharing, joint operations, and the development of coordinated operational guidelines,” he stated.

He added that a standing inter-agency committee has been established, with its headquarters domiciled at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, to ensure seamless collaboration.

Handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution, Onyeka reaffirmed the service’s commitment to safeguarding national security and public health. “Today, we hand over these illicit drugs to the NDLEA in line with their statutory mandate for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.

He also issued a stern warning to smugglers and criminal networks, stressing that there would be no hiding place for those engaged in illegal activities. “Let me send a clear message to all smugglers and criminal elements: the NCS, in collaboration with its partners, is fully prepared to detect, intercept, and prosecute all forms of illicit trade. There will be no safe haven for saboteurs,” he warned.

“The command remains resolute in deploying intelligence-driven strategies and robust enforcement measures to secure our ports and borders,” he said.

The latest seizure adds to a growing list of high-profile interceptions by security agencies, highlighting intensified efforts to curb the influx of illicit drugs into the country.