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

The seized substances, which included Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies, gummies, and Cannabis Indica, were concealed alongside imported used vehicles and engine spare parts in an attempt to bypass port security.

According to a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Oscar Ivara, the interceptions were carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The first container (MSDU655132/0), intercepted on September 2, 2026, yielded 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused edibles weighing 598.08 kilograms, stashed alongside a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti.

The second container (SKU625643/6), intercepted on September 16, 2026, contained 1,207 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 603.75 kilograms valued at ₦3.62 billion, hidden among four used Toyota vehicles and engine parts.

"Concealing the substances among vehicles and automobile spare parts highlighted smugglers’ attempts to exploit containerised cargo to move prohibited items into the country," Ivara stated. "Legitimate trade must not be used as a cover for criminal activities."

The command confirmed that all 1,201.83 kilograms of seized narcotics will be formally transferred to the NDLEA for deeper investigation and prosecution of the smuggling network.

The use of containerized luxury cars and heavy auto parts highlights shifting strategies by international drug cartels attempting to exploit maritime trade corridors into West Africa.

ID