By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has recorded one of its biggest anti-smuggling seizures this year with the interception of 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica worth an estimated ₦26.57 billion.
-
The illicit consignment discovered inside a 40-foot container carrying imported used vehicles
The illicit consignment was discovered inside a 40-foot container carrying imported used vehicles following a joint intelligence-led operation between the Apapa Command and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Speaking during the handover of the seizure, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the operation was triggered by credible intelligence that led officers to subject container number FANU1933352 to a detailed physical examination on July 10, 2026.
According to him, the container was found to contain three imported used vehicles—a 2015 red Nissan Micra, a 2019 black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 grey Toyota Corolla.
A thorough inspection, however, revealed a carefully concealed cache of narcotics. Customs officers uncovered 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, each weighing 500 grams.
Comptroller Oshoba explained that four bags of the narcotics were hidden inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were concealed beneath the floor of the container and in the spaces around the vehicles. No drugs were found inside the two Toyota Corolla cars.
He disclosed that the seized drugs have a street value of ₦26,569,847,771.
Describing the interception as a major victory against drug smuggling, Oshoba said the seizure reflects the Apapa Command’s determination to prevent prohibited goods from entering the country through Nigeria’s busiest seaport.
He noted that the operation is in line with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, against smuggling, illicit trade and other criminal activities.
“This seizure once again demonstrates our untiring commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives at Apapa Port. As we intensify investigations into this case, I want to reiterate that this Command has made the port a no-go area for anything prohibited by our laws,” the Area Controller said.
He assured compliant importers and licensed customs agents that the Command remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade, adding that law-abiding businesses will continue to enjoy the trade facilitation measures introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service.
Oshoba also commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and vigilance, stressing that intelligence gathering and collaboration with sister security agencies remain essential in combating transnational organised crime.
He disclosed that the container has been seized in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, while investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute all those connected with the attempted importation of the prohibited drugs.
