Customs seize N3.3 billion contraband, intercept synthetic cannabis in Lagos

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized synthetic cannabis and other contraband worth N3.3 billion in Lagos.

The seizures were disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, during a press briefing, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The development follows a six-week intelligence-led operation across the Lagos metropolis, marking a shift from routine checkpoints to targeted enforcement aimed at disrupting smuggling networks.

The command said the renewed strategy has resulted in multiple arrests, large volumes of illicit goods intercepted, and improved trade compliance enforcement, even as it recorded the loss of an officer during one of the operations.

Aliyu said the command arrested eight suspects, including a female linked to the cannabis seizure, while also recording a fatality during enforcement operations.

The comptroller said the incident involving the deceased officer had been formally reported to the Customs high command, adding that the unit recorded a total of 144 seizures since he resumed duty in late December.

The seizures highlight the scale and diversity of smuggling activities being routed through Lagos and the impact of intelligence-driven enforcement.

Between December 10, 2025, and February 2, 2026, the command recovered N36.89 million through demand notices issued for cargo misdeclaration and trade compliance breaches.

Aliyu attributed the results to targeted patrols, stronger supervision, and a move away from predictable checkpoints, reaffirming the NCS commitment to combating smuggling, trans-border crimes, and economic sabotage.

The latest seizures add to a growing list of high-profile drug interceptions by the Nigeria Customs Service at Lagos ports in recent months.

Customs has consistently said these interceptions reflect strengthened collaboration with the NDLEA and other security agencies to disrupt narcotics trafficking through Nigeria’s maritime corridors.

Beyond enforcement, the Nigeria Customs Service has introduced policy measures aimed at trade facilitation and regulatory compliance.

Under the new SOP, courier companies seeking to operate under the DDP regime are required to obtain a licence from the NCS Headquarters Licence and Permit Unit within the Tariff and Trade Department, reinforcing oversight in Nigeria’s fast-growing logistics and e-commerce space.

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