By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has seized 1.8 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, popularly called “Canadian Loud”, and two containers of expired pharmaceutical products in separate operations at Apapa Port.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, disclosed this to journalists on June 15, 2026. He said the seizures followed intelligence-led operations by officers of the Command, working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and other security agencies.
Oshoba said a 40-foot container, No. CAAU7569127, was intercepted based on credible intelligence and risk assessment. Physical examination showed 3,639 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, each weighing 500 grams, totalling 1,819kg or 1.81 tonnes.
The drugs were hidden inside a Toyota Sienna, a Toyota Nissan, and several bags and drums to avoid detection. Laboratory tests confirmed the substance as Cannabis Sativa.
“The interception shows our growing capacity to detect and stop sophisticated smuggling at Nigeria’s busiest seaport,” Oshoba said.
In another operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers loaded with expired pharmaceuticals meant for illegal distribution in Nigeria.
Container No. PCIU8771576 contained expired Cidoxilin Capsules, Cynamine Vitamin B12 Injection, and Becoline B-Complex Injection.
Container No. MRKU4961276 held expired Oxytocin Injections, Mexclor Eye Drops, Avomex Tablets, Carbamazepine Tablets, Silymarin Tablets, Nystatin Tablets, and Hyoscine Butylbromide Tablets, among others.
Findings showed the drugs expired between 2021 and 2023 and were allegedly meant to be relabelled before re-entry into the market. Customs warned that the expired medicines posed serious health risks and could endanger lives if they reached hospitals, pharmacies, and homes.
The Duty Paid Value of the seized cannabis and pharmaceuticals was put at ₦12.78 billion.
Oshoba described the seizures as a major blow to criminal networks and warned importers involved in smuggling, drug trafficking, and expired medicine imports to desist.
“These illegal acts are economic sabotage and a threat to public health. We have the intelligence, technology, and resolve to track and arrest those involved. Apapa Port will not be used for such crimes,” he said.
He added that Apapa Port and other Customs-controlled areas remain under surveillance, and the Command will sustain intelligence-driven operations to protect lives and secure legitimate trade.
