By Saidu Jalloh reporter D.S
Lagos, Nigeria November 12, 2025 – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a historic interception of cocaine worth ₦29.4 billion at the Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) in Lagos. The seizure involved 1,000 kilograms of the drug, concealed in a 20-foot container that arrived from Freetown, Sierra Leone, without necessary import documentation.
Customs Area Controller Joe Anani revealed that this operation marks the largest drug seizure in PTML’s history. The suspicious container, numbered GCNU1332851, was flagged on October 7, during a routine inspection of 39 empty containers designated for export. Terminal operators promptly notified Customs, leading to a coordinated effort involving the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police Anti-Bomb Squad, and other security agencies.
The joint inspection of the container revealed 50 packages, each containing 20 parcels of cocaine. Rapid tests by NDLEA officials confirmed the identity of the substance. Initial investigations suggest the container was shipped as empty from Sierra Leone and lacked a designated consignee.
“This interception is one of the most enigmatic cases we’ve encountered,” Anani stated. “We applaud the diligence of PTML’s management; such collaboration is vital for port security.”
The NDLEA has assumed custody of the shipment for further investigation, with Strategic Commander Daniel Onyishi describing the seizure as unprecedented. He confirmed the involvement of international partners, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) stressed the importance of global cooperation in tracing the origins of the shipment and dismantling the trafficking network. “We are committed to holding all those responsible accountable, no matter where they are,” he asserted.
This dramatic interception has drawn widespread coverage from various Nigerian media outlets, including The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, Vanguard, and Oriental News.
For more information, contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
