By Innocent Orok
“We are gathered here today to inform the public of a significant operational breakthrough achieved by Tin Can Island Port Command in our continuous efforts to safeguard the nation’s borders, protect public health and enhance National Security” Comptroller Frank Onyeka .
In its continuous war to checkmate the illegal smuggling and importation of drugs and other banned items, the Tin Can Island Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Thursday hands over another massive seizure of drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA).
Briefing the media, Comptroller Frank Onyeka recalled thus “You will recall that during a similar briefing held on Friday 24 October 2025, I highlighted attempts by economic saboteurs to exploit our trade facilitation posture to undermine our systems and procedures.
“Despite these attempts, our officers remain resolute, alert, and committed to the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service, by ensuring effective border management, facilitating legitimate trade, and securing the nation from dangerous and prohibited items.”
The detail of the seizure reveals that on Thursday, 6 November 2025, during a routine examination exercise at one of the Bonded Terminals, a 1 x 40ft container with number MSDU 719833/0 was identified for further scrutiny.
The container which originated from Amsterdam, Netherlands was originally declared to contain two used vehicles and household goods.
But when a joint examination was conducted by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (Enforcement Unit and CIU) in collaboration with officers from the NDLEA, DSS, and Nigeria Police in the presence of the declarant’s representative on physical examination, the team discovered the following illicit substance concealed within the shipment: 500 grams of Methamphetamine with an estimated street value of N7, 500,000 and 49 packages of substance known as “Molly” weighing 105.5 kilograms, each valued at N23.69 million per kilogram.
The total street value of the seized drugs amounts to N2, 507, 500,000.
During the hand over of the seized drugs to NDLEA Commander, Tin Can Island Strategic Command DO Onyishi , Comptroller Frank Onyeka inform that the agency will carry out further investigation and prosecution in accordance with Nigeria’s extant laws on drug control and trafficking.
“This interception once again underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s firm commitment to inter-Agency collaboration, Intelligence-driven enforcement, and the protection of national interests.
“We sincerely appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Ph.D and the entire Management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their leadership, strategic support and sustained investment in intelligence and enforcement capabilities.
We also commend our partner agencies- the NDLEA, DSS, Nigeria Police, for their cooperation, understanding and professionalism throughout this operation.” Comptroller Onyeka said .
“This seizure has again send a strong and clear message to all criminal elements attempting to exploit our ports and border stations.
The Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in its duty to detect, intercept, and dismantle all forms of illicit trade that threaten our national security, economic stability, and the wellbeing of our citizens.
“We remain fully committed to our responsibilities and will continue to strengthen our enforcement strategies through intelligence sharing, advanced technology, and inter-agency collaboration”, Comptroller Frank Onyeka assured .
