How NDLEA, Customs burst N2.2bn illicit drug importation at Tin-can Island Port

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Tin-can Island Port, Lagos, have intercepted a large shipment of illicit drugs.

The operation, which took place on Friday, 13 December 2024, during a routine security examination of a container that originated from Montreal, Canada, destined for MIGFO bonded Terminal, Tin-can Island Port, Lagos, has yielded unprecedented results.

The NDLEA Chairman Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (RTD) CON, who described the drug seizure as massive, has commended the NDLEA and Nigeria Customs Service personnel for their vigilance in detecting the illicit shipment.

Marwa appreciated the Nigeria Customs Comptroller Tin-can Island Port Lagos, Dera Nnadi, for coordinating the drug bust with the NDLEA Tin-can Strategic Commander Ofoyeju Mitchell with the swift provision of logistics in conveying the suspicious container to the Customs Enforcement Unit for a 100 percent examination.

His words, “The joint coordination of the search operation by Comptroller Dera and Commander Ofoyeju Mitchell culminated in the successful interception of the massive drug seizure and apprehension of the suspects.”

The clinical inspection jointly coordinated by the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA personnel revealed an astounding haul of narcotics. Officers recovered 44 extra-large bags containing cannabis indica, comprising 1,735 parcels with a total weight of 867.5 kilograms.

Additionally, six coolers were also found to contain 87 packs of methamphetamine, weighing 78.3 kilograms. In total, the seizure amounted to 945.8 kilograms of narcotics. The estimated value of the seized drugs is 2.2 billion naira.

According to Comptroller Dera, “We are delighted with this seizure because it’s a product of teamwork. This could have caused a substantial threat to public safety save for the prompt interception.”

The NDLEA Commander, Tin-can Island Port Strategic Command, Ofoyeju Mitchell, expressed satisfaction with the discovery.

“This is the first time we are intercepting methamphetamine from Canada. The success represents substantial damage to the operations of the drug trafficking cartels. We will continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders as we work tirelessly to protect our country from the dangers posed by drugs,” Commander Mitchell stated.

Meanwhile Gen. Marwa has commended officers for the strict compliance with drug control protocols that led to the successful drug bust.

He added that, “This significant seizure is a product of synergy and a testament to the quality inter-agency collaboration at the Tin-can Island Port. This crackdown not only highlights the effectiveness of our drug control protocols but also serves as a stern warning to those engaging in similar illicit activities that their criminal investment will go down the drain. I commend the officers for their vigilance and professionalism.”

This latest seizure represents one of the largest drug interceptions in recent years, further positioning the Tin-can Island Port Strategic Command as a frontline defence against the influx of narcotics.

However, two suspects have been arrested in connection with the discovery as investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the drug trafficking operation. They are Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe.