The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted 1.2 tonnes of suspected illicit drugs valued at N3.674 billion in two 40-foot containers imported from Canada.
The seizures, made on September 2 and 16, 2026, comprised 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies weighing 598.08 kilogrammes and 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, disclosed this while speaking to LEADERSHIP on Friday, adding that the substances were discovered during joint physical examinations conducted by officers of the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Anani said the first container, with identification number MSDU655132/0, was intercepted on September 2. A 100 per cent joint physical examination revealed 890 packs of cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, alongside two used vehicles: a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a Nissan Infiniti.
The second container, with number SKU625643/6, was intercepted on September 16. According to the controller, examination of the container uncovered 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes.
Other items found in the second container included two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two used Toyota Corolla vehicles and used engine spare parts.
The Customs boss said the concealment of the substances among imported vehicles and automobile spare parts highlighted smugglers’ determination to exploit containerised cargo to move prohibited items into the country.
He said, “On 2 September 2026, a 40-foot container with number MSDU655132/0 was intercepted at Tin Can Island Port. Following a thorough 100 per cent joint physical examination conducted by both agencies, it was found to contain a total of 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, with a combined weight of 598.08 kilogrammes, alongside two used vehicles, namely a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a Nissan Infiniti.
“On 16 September 2026, another 40-foot container with number SKU625643/6 was intercepted by the command, and a thorough examination revealed a total of 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes. Also, intelligence traced the seizures to Canada,” Compt. Anani stated.
According to Anani, the two seizures amounted to 1,201.83 kilogrammes of suspected illicit drug-related substances, with a combined estimated street value of N3.674 billion.
He said the seized substances would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other necessary actions within its statutory mandate.
The controller emphasised that collaboration between Customs and the NDLEA remained critical to identifying and intercepting drug trafficking networks operating through the nation’s seaports.
He commended officers of both agencies for their vigilance, professionalism and commitment to duty, noting that effective inter-agency cooperation remained a key tool in combating smuggling and other transnational crimes.
Anani warned individuals involved in the illegal importation of prohibited substances to desist from such activities, insisting that Tin Can Island Port would not serve as a safe haven for smugglers.
He added that the command would continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, cargo examination and enforcement operations in collaboration with relevant security and regulatory agencies.
The Customs Area Controller also urged importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and other port stakeholders to comply with existing laws, regulations and import procedures, warning against the use of legitimate trade as a cover for criminal activities.
He appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership, strategic guidance and continued support for operational effectiveness across Customs commands.
Also speaking, the Commander of the NDLEA, Tin Can Island Port Strategic Command, Solomon Omotosho, warned that cannabis-infused cookies and gummies posed serious health risks, particularly because unsuspecting consumers could purchase and consume the products without knowing they contained psychoactive substances.
Omotosho said consuming such products could adversely affect the central nervous system and trigger serious health complications.
He warned that the products could find their way into supermarkets and other retail outlets, potentially exposing unsuspecting members of the public to the dangers of involuntary drug consumption.
“Cookies are dangerous because innocent people won’t know and buy at supermarket and they will start exhibiting health issues. It affects the central nervous system,” he said.
The NDLEA commander also raised concerns about the potency of the substances, warning that even a small quantity could have effects comparable to consuming large quantities of alcohol.
Describing Tin Can Island Port as a no-go area for illicit drug importation, Omotosho said the agency would continue to collaborate with Customs and other relevant agencies to prevent prohibited drugs from entering the country.