Over 4,700kg of cannabis concealed in cars shipped from Canada seized in major joint operation with NDLEA

The Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, intercepting a massive cannabis shipment valued at ₦18.9 billion at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The seizure involved 9,450 packages of cannabis weighing more than 4,700 kilograms, cleverly concealed within imported vehicles shipped from Canada.

Customs Area Controller, Frank Onyeka, revealed that the consignment was initially declared as used vehicles. However, acting on credible intelligence, officers flagged the container for a thorough physical inspection.

The search uncovered 185 jumbo bags of cannabis hidden inside two vehicles—a 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet—an apparent attempt to beat port security checks.

The operation was executed in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), underscoring growing inter-agency coordination in tackling illicit drug trade.

Following the interception, the seized drugs have been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution of those involved.

Customs authorities described the bust as a significant success, reiterating their commitment to intelligence-led enforcement and vowing to sustain pressure on smuggling networks operating through Nigeria’s ports.