The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying suspected illicit drugs with an estimated street value of ₦3.67 billion in Lagos.

The seized substances included Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, as well as packages of Cannabis indica, allegedly concealed among imported used vehicles and automobile spare parts.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, disclosed the interceptions in a statement, attributing the operation to the vigilance of Customs officers and collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

First Container Contained Cannabis-Infused Cookies

According to Ivara, the first container, identified as MSDU655132/0, was intercepted on September 2, 2026.

A joint physical examination conducted by officers of the NCS and the NDLEA uncovered 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies weighing 598.08 kilogrammes.

The container also contained two used vehicles: a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti.

The discovery prompted further scrutiny of the shipment and the methods allegedly used to conceal prohibited substances among imported goods.

Second Container Held Drugs Worth ₦3.62bn

Ivara said a second container, identified as SKU625643/6, was intercepted on September 16, 2026.

An examination reportedly revealed 1,207 packages of Cannabis indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of ₦3.62 billion.

The container also held two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two used Toyota Corolla vehicles and used engine spare parts.

Across both interceptions, the total weight of the suspected illicit substances was 1,201.83 kilogrammes, with an estimated combined street value of ₦3.67 billion.

Customs, NDLEA Strengthen Collaboration

The Customs spokesman said concealing suspected illicit substances among vehicles and automobile parts highlighted attempts by smugglers to exploit containerised cargo to move prohibited goods into Nigeria.

He said cooperation between the NCS and the NDLEA remained essential to detecting and preventing drug trafficking through the country’s seaports.

The seized substances were to be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other necessary actions within its statutory responsibilities.

Authorities Warn Against Smuggling

The command reiterated its commitment to strengthening cargo inspections, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations at Tin Can Island Port.

It also urged importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and other stakeholders to comply with applicable import regulations and avoid using legitimate trade as a cover for criminal activities.

The interceptions add to ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to curb the movement of prohibited substances through major ports and protect public health and safety.