The Nigeria Customs Service, Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, has intercepted a container laden with 400 kilograms of suspected Cannabis Sativa (“Loud”) valued at over ₦2.26 billion at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

Acting on credible intelligence, officers halted the suspicious consignment, which was scheduled for onward movement to a bonded terminal outside the Command. A non-intrusive scan revealed anomalies, prompting a joint physical examination by Customs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

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The inspection uncovered 400 packages of narcotics concealed among 798 reams of A4 printing paper.

Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi, Acting Area Controller, described the seizure as a “significant victory for public safety and national security,” stressing that illicit drugs fuel addiction, organized crime, and insecurity.

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The seized container has now been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

Kukoyi commended the vigilance of Customs officers and the cooperation of sister agencies, noting that the operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration. He also reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining zero tolerance for smuggling and drug trafficking.

Kukoyi acknowledged the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, whose policy thrust on consolidation, collaboration and innovation continues to strengthen the operational capacity of the Service in the areas of trade facilitation, revenue generation and enforcement.

He stressed that the interception demonstrated the resolve to ensure Nigeria’s ports remain gateways to prosperity, not corridors for criminality.

The Controller urged port operators, shipping companies, clearing agents, and the public to remain vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security agencies.

Speaking at the handover, the Area Commander and Commander of Narcotics (CN) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Lekki Port Area Command,
Jonah Achema, praised the synergy between NDLEA, Customs, and other sister agencies, noting that the seizure of 400 kilograms of Cannabis indica imported from Thailand was a landmark achievement.

The event also marked the first major operation under the new Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi, who assumed office following the retirement of Controller H.K.A. Abubakar. Achema described the swift success as “a strong signal that the new CAC is ready to elevate inter-agency collaboration and intensify the counter-narcotic onslaught.”

This latest seizure adds to earlier record-breaking busts at Lekki Port, including two containers of illicit pharmaceutical opioids weighing 46 tonnes, with an estimated street value of ₦35 billion.

Achema emphasized that the Command’s achievements align with the vision of NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), focused on “disrupting, dismantling, and defeating drug mercantility.” He added that Lekki Port is becoming “almost impervious to illicit drug shipments” thanks to intelligence-driven vigilance.

The NDLEA chief pledged to sustain collaboration with Customs and other agencies to ensure continued success in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime gateways.