By Erewunmi Peace

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a shipment of ₦29.4 billion worth of cocaine concealed inside an empty container at the Port & Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command in Lagos.

According to Customs authorities, the container — a 20-foot unit numbered GCNU1332851 — arrived from Freetown, Sierra Leone, and was falsely declared as empty. Upon inspection, operatives discovered several packages of white substances hidden inside, which field tests later confirmed to be cocaine.

The Comptroller of PTML Command, Suleiman Bomai, described the seizure as one of the most significant drug interceptions in recent years. He explained that the duty-paid value (DPV) of the confiscated narcotics was estimated at ₦29,403,738,000.

“This interception underscores the vigilance of our officers and the robust security collaboration we have at the ports,” Bomai stated.
“It also demonstrates our resolve to prevent Nigeria from being used as a transit hub for illicit drugs.”

Customs officials revealed that the consignment had no registered consignee linked to it at the time of arrival, raising suspicions of a broader international smuggling network. The container has since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

The agency noted that initial findings suggest the cocaine originated from South America and was being routed through West Africa before reaching Nigeria’s shores.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has commended the Customs Service for the operation and pledged stronger inter-agency cooperation to combat cross-border trafficking.

This latest seizure adds to a growing list of drug-related interceptions at Nigerian seaports, reinforcing ongoing calls for tighter cargo monitoring systems and stricter accountability among shipping operators.