Cocaine arrived in Lagos quietly, hidden inside a seemingly ordinary shipping container.
Then, on October 7, a PTML operator noticed something unusual during a routine disinfection exercise.
Suspicious Container Spotted With Cocaine
The container, numbered GCNU1332851, had arrived from Freetown, Sierra Leone, among 39 empty units for export.
Since it was not listed as an import consignment, port officials immediately grew suspicious.
Comptroller Joe Anani described the incident as “one of the most mysterious cocaine interceptions in our history.”
Joint Security Operation
Customs officers quickly joined forces with NDLEA, DSS, police, and other agencies to inspect the container.
Inside, they discovered 50 packages, each containing 20 parcels of cocaine.
Laboratory tests confirmed the total weight: 1,000 kilogrammes, equivalent to a full metric tonne.
Officials calculated the duty-paid value at ₦29.4 billion, making it one of Nigeria’s largest seizures.
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Because the container lacked identifiable ownership or documentation, officers made no arrests so far.
Anani praised the terminal operator for raising the alarm and commended the teamwork among security agencies.
He added, “This seizure highlights vigilance and cooperation, keeping PTML a no-go zone for illegal imports.”
Authorities will now hand the cocaine over to NDLEA for further investigation and intelligence gathering.
Ongoing Vigilance At Ports
Similarly, last month, officers at Tin Can Island Command uncovered drugs hidden inside imported vehicles.
They discovered 78 kilograms of Colorado Indica and 1.2 kilograms of Hashish Oil concealed in four vehicles.
Anani emphasised that constant vigilance, teamwork, and staff awareness remain critical at all ports.
Consequently, this operation sends a strong warning to criminal networks attempting to exploit Nigeria’s trade routes.
Through careful monitoring and coordinated action, Nigeria Customs continues to stop dangerous contraband before it reaches the streets.
