The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted a 40-foot container laden with 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica with an estimated street value of ₦26,569,847,771, in yet another major breakthrough against transnational drug trafficking through the nation’s seaports.
The seizure was made on Friday, 10 July 2026, during a joint examination conducted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Command’s Enforcement Unit.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, directed that Container No. FANU1933352 be subjected to a comprehensive physical examination. The exercise led to the discovery of 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams.
The container was declared to contain three used vehicles—a 2015 Red Nissan Micra, a 2019 Black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 Gray Toyota Corolla. However, a painstaking examination revealed that four bags of Cannabis Indica had been concealed inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were carefully hidden beneath the container floor and within spaces between the three vehicles. No illicit substances were found inside the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.
Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Oshoba described the interception as another clear demonstration of the Command’s uncompromising commitment to combating illicit trade and safeguarding national security.
“This seizure once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that only legitimate trade thrives through Apapa Port. We remain resolute in frustrating every attempt by criminal networks to use our port as a gateway for prohibited substances.”
He noted that the successful operation reflects the effective synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, adding that intelligence-driven enforcement remains central to the Command’s anti-smuggling operations.
The Area Controller stressed that the seizure aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, against the importation of prohibited goods and all forms of illicit trade across Nigeria’s ports and borders.
According to him, while the Service continues to strengthen trade facilitation measures for compliant importers and exporters, it will not relent in deploying intelligence, technology and strategic partnerships to detect and intercept smuggled goods.
“As investigations continue, I want to make it abundantly clear that Apapa Port is a no-go area for anyone seeking to violate our import laws. We remain committed to protecting our economy, preserving public health and ensuring the safety of our citizens.”
He further reassured legitimate traders of the Command’s commitment to creating an efficient and predictable trading environment.
“I also wish to reassure our compliant stakeholders that they will continue to enjoy the numerous trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs. Our enforcement activities are targeted strictly at economic saboteurs and those engaged in unlawful trade.”
Comptroller Oshoba commended the professionalism, vigilance and dedication of officers of the Command as well as the sustained collaboration with the NDLEA, which continues to strengthen efforts to combat drug trafficking through the nation’s maritime gateways.
The seized container has been condemned in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and other relevant laws, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals connected with the attempted importation.