Nigeria Customs Seizes N29.4bn Cocaine Shipment at Lagos Port Terminal

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Ports and Terminal Multiservice Limited (PTML) has intercepted a massive shipment of cocaine worth N29.4 billion and handed it over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation. The seized drugs were discovered in an empty 20-foot container that arrived from Sierra Leone, marking one of the most mysterious drug busts in the history of the PTML Customs Command.

On October 7, 2025, the PTML terminal operator identified suspicious packages during the disinfection process of 39 empty containers intended for export use. The container, with registration number GCNU1332851, was the only one found to contain contraband. A joint examination by NCS officials, NDLEA, Department of State Services (DSS), and Police Anti-Bomb Squad confirmed the presence of 50 packages, each containing 20 parcels, totaling 1,000 kilograms (1 tonne) of cocaine. Rapid field tests immediately tested positive for cocaine, revealing the duty-paid value at N29.4 billion.

Customs Area Controller Joe Anani, speaking at the handover ceremony, revealed that the container was not an import consignment but was instead brought empty for export purposes. No consignee was found linked to the container, and no arrests have yet been made. Anani emphasized that the seizure highlights the proactive cooperation between customs, terminal operators, and security agencies. He praised PTML for its vigilance in detecting the contraband and reaffirmed the commitment of the NCS to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s ports.

ADVERTISEMENT

The NDLEA, led by Strategic Commander Daniel Onyishi at Tincan Port Command, expressed determination to unravel the source of the cocaine shipment. The agency has commenced investigations with the collaborative support of international partners, including the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), given the global dimensions of the drug trafficking cartel involved.

This significant bust strengthens the partnership between Nigerian port stakeholders and security agencies in combatting illicit drug trafficking, underscoring the importance of vigilance and cooperation in protecting the nation’s maritime borders and trade integrity.