Customs cocaine seizure Lagos nets 6.35kg worth N2.35bn as anti-smuggling operations uncover contraband valued at N5.5bn

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Ikeja, has arrested a 71-year-old man with 6.35kg of cocaine valued at N2.35bn, concealed in a Toyota Highlander, as part of intensified anti-smuggling operations across the South-West.

Also read: Customs seize N18.96bn cannabis concealed in imported vehicles at Lagos port

The Customs Area Controller, Gambo Aliyu, disclosed the development on Tuesday while presenting seized items to journalists.

The Customs cocaine seizure Lagos operation was carried out along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor, a route authorities say has become a critical channel for illicit trafficking.

Aliyu said the arrest formed part of a broader crackdown that also led to the interception of contraband worth over N5.5bn and the foiling of 473 smuggling attempts within the last eight weeks.

Among the items seized were 8,794 bags of foreign rice, equivalent to 15 trailer loads, 22 used vehicles, 1,863 used refrigerator compressors, and 328 bales of used clothing.

Other confiscated goods included 31,705 litres of premium motor spirit, 1,188 jerrycans of vegetable oil, 531 cartons of poultry products, 485 used tyres, and 69 cartons of spaghetti.

The unit also intercepted four cylinders of mercury, each weighing 80kg, which Aliyu described as a hazardous substance regulated under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

As part of its enforcement strategy, the command launched a targeted anti-drug initiative codenamed “Operation Hawk,” under which officers seized 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing 1,540kg.

Aliyu noted that the seizures spanned Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo states, with multiple suspects arrested in connection with the offences.

In addition to physical seizures, the unit recovered N97.7m in underpaid duties between February and April 2026 through compliance enforcement measures.

He said the total duty-paid value of confiscated items reflects the scale of economic sabotage being tackled and the effectiveness of ongoing operations.

The Customs cocaine seizure Lagos crackdown is further supported by the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, including geospatial intelligence, satellite imagery, drone monitoring, and predictive analytics to track smuggling routes.

Aliyu confirmed that the seized narcotics have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution, while the mercury consignment will be transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency.