Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
In a major anti-drug breakthrough, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, has uncovered one tonne of cocaine hidden in a container falsely declared as empty — the first-ever drug interception in the Command’s history.
Announcing the discovery at a press conference on Tuesday, October 11, 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joe Anani, said the illicit substance was found on October 7, 2025, following a tip-off from the PTML terminal operator.
According to him, suspicion was raised during the disinfection of 39 empty containers scheduled for export loading when unusual packages were noticed in one of them, identified as container number GCNU1332851.
“The Command immediately conducted a joint examination with officers from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Police Anti-Bomb Squad, and others,” Anani explained.
He further revealed that 50 packages containing 20 parcels each were found inside the container. “Rapid tests conducted on the substance tested positive to cocaine, and it was jointly weighed with officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. The total weight of the substance was found to be 1000kg (1 tonne),” he said.
Comptroller Anani added that the container was loaded as empty at its last port of call in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with no consignee or importer linked to its arrival in Nigeria. He clarified that no arrests had been made, as the container did not arrive as an import consignment but was brought in by the terminal operator for export use.
The Customs boss praised the PTML terminal operators for their prompt report and cooperation, describing the discovery as “one of the most mysterious cocaine interceptions in the Service’s record.”
He emphasized that the successful operation demonstrated strong synergy among Customs, NDLEA, DSS, and other security agencies. “The operation reflects the Service’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s ports and ensuring the integrity of maritime trade,” Anani said.
In line with inter-agency collaboration, the seized cocaine was handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.
Receiving the consignment, NDLEA Strategic Commander, Daniel Onyishi, commended the Customs Service for its vigilance and cooperation, warning drug traffickers to desist from illegal activities. He assured that both agencies would continue to work together to combat narcotics smuggling and protect Nigeria’s borders.
The seizure marks a significant win in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against transnational drug trafficking networks.
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