Nigeria: Customs Uncovers ₦3.67bn Drug Haul in Imported Cars, Spare Parts

What the report says

Nigeria’s Customs Service says it has uncovered suspected narcotics valued at about ₦3.67 billion in two 40-foot containers intercepted at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. The seizures were carried out by the Tin Can Island Port Command in cooperation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, according to a statement attributed to the command’s spokesperson, Oscar Ivara, and reported by Vanguard and distributed by AllAfrica.

The containers were said to have been used to conceal illicit drugs among imported used vehicles and automobile spare parts. One container, intercepted on September 2, reportedly held Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, along with two used cars. A second container, intercepted on September 16, was said to contain Cannabis Indica, as well as additional used vehicles and engine spare parts.

Customs said the combined haul weighed 1,201.83 kilograms and that the suspected drugs would be handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and action. The agency said the case highlights how smugglers may try to use containerized trade to move prohibited goods through seaports. It also said the seizures reflect continued joint enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

More broadly, the incident fits a recurring enforcement challenge at major seaports in Nigeria, where authorities regularly inspect imported cargo for concealed contraband. The report did not say whether any arrests were made or identify the importers involved.