Customs intercepts suspected illicit drugs worth N2.26bn at Lekki Free Trade Zone
By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 400 kilogrammes of suspected illicit cannabis valued at over N2.26 billion at the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, handing the seized substance over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and action.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Lekki Free Trade Zone Command, Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi, disclosed this to journalists on Thursday, October 15, 2026, warning that the port would not be allowed to serve as a gateway for prohibited goods.
Kukoyi said the seizure occurred on August 19, 2026, when officers intercepted a suspicious container, registration number PRSU1562064, destined for a bonded terminal outside the command. A joint enforcement team examined the container and discovered 400 packages of cannabis weighing 400 kilogrammes, concealed among 798 reams of A4 printing paper.
The seized substance has a Duty Paid Value of ₦2,262,960,000, according to the Customs official, who described the operation as a significant step towards protecting Nigerians from the consequences of drug trafficking and abuse.
During the formal handover, Commander Jonah Achema, Commander of Narcotics at the NDLEA Lekki Port Area Command, said the interception demonstrated the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling maritime drug trafficking.
Achema described the seizure as substantial and cited previous interceptions at the port, including two containers of illicit pharmaceutical opioids, Tramadol 225 and Tramaking Royal 250, with a combined weight of 46 tonnes and an estimated street value of ₦35 billion.
The latest operation highlights ongoing efforts by Customs and the NDLEA to prevent prohibited substances from entering the country through maritime channels.
