The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, Lagos, has intercepted a massive 1,000kg cocaine consignment valued at N29.4 billion, smuggled from Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The seizure, described as one of the most mysterious in Nigeria’s maritime history, was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

Discovery and Seizure

Comptroller Joe Anani, PTML Area Controller, said the suspicious shipment was detected during a routine inspection of one of 39 empty containers intended for export. The container, numbered GCNU1332851, contained 50 packages with 20 parcels each, which tested positive for cocaine.

“The terminal operator promptly alerted authorities, and a joint examination was conducted alongside NDLEA, DSS, Police Anti-Bomb Squad, and other agencies,” Anani said.

The shipment had no consignee linked to it, making the interception particularly mysterious. No arrests have yet been made.

Inter-Agency Cooperation

Anani praised the synergy among security agencies, highlighting the role of PTML terminal operators in safeguarding Nigeria’s ports.

“This seizure underscores the high level of cooperation and vigilance among our officers, terminal operators, and sister security agencies,” he added.

The seized consignment has been formally handed over to the NDLEA, with investigations involving US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and UK National Crime Agency (NCA).

NDLEA and International Probe

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, said the cocaine consignment, worth over $235 million internationally, is the largest single seizure at Tincan Island Port, Lagos.

“Given the global dimension of this cocaine cartel, our international partners are directly involved in tracking and prosecuting the syndicate,” he said.

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) emphasized that the joint investigation aims to ensure all masterminds behind the shipment are brought to justice.

“No stone will be left unturned to ensure every member of this syndicate is identified and prosecuted globally,” Marwa said, commending inter-agency collaboration as a model for Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking.