Customs uncover N3.67bn cannabis haul hidden among imported vehicles in Lagos

Cannabis-infused cookies and gummies worth billions of naira have been intercepted at Lagos’ Tin Can Island Port, where smugglers allegedly concealed the illicit substances among imported vehicles and automobile spare parts in two shipping containers.

The seizures, made on September 2 and 16, 2026, involved 1,201.83 kilogrammes of suspected illicit drug-related substances, according to the Customs Service.

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

Ivara said the first 40-foot container, intercepted on September 2, contained 890 packs of Delta-8 cannabis-infused cookies and gummies weighing 598.08 kilogrammes.

Two used vehicles, a 2008 Mercedes-Benz and a 2012 Nissan Infiniti, were also found in the container identified as MSDU655132/0.

The second container, intercepted on September 16, contained 1,207 packages of Cannabis indica weighing 603.75 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of N3.62 billion.

The container, identified as SKU625643/6, also carried two used Toyota Sienna vehicles, two used Toyota Corolla vehicles and used engine spare parts.

According to Ivara, the concealment of the substances among imported vehicles and automobile parts highlights attempts by smugglers to exploit containerised cargo to move prohibited items into the country.

He said the seizures demonstrated the service’s determination to prevent the smuggling of illicit substances through Nigeria’s seaports and protect public health and safety.

Ivara added that the seized substances would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other necessary actions.

He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between the two agencies in identifying and intercepting prohibited substances entering the country through maritime channels.