The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted 4,143.5 kilograms of cannabis indica valued at ₦26.5 billion, concealed inside a 40-foot container loaded with used vehicles.
The Public Relations Officer of the command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, disclosed the seizure in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday.
According to the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the seizure followed a joint examination conducted with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after credible intelligence prompted a detailed inspection of container FANU1933352 on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Oshoba said officers discovered three used vehicles inside the container—a red 2015 Nissan Micra, a black 2019 Toyota Corolla S and a grey 2015 Toyota Corolla. A thorough search revealed 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of cannabis indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams.
He explained that four bags of the illicit substance were hidden inside the red Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were concealed on the floor of the container and in spaces between the vehicles. No illicit drugs were found inside the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.
According to him, the drugs were carefully and strategically concealed to evade detection by security agencies while using the vehicles as cover.
Comptroller Oshoba said the seizure reflects the command’s vigilance and commitment to intercepting prohibited items, particularly illicit drugs that pose a threat to public health, public safety and national security.
He noted that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, against all forms of illicit trade at Nigerian ports.
The Customs Area Controller reaffirmed the command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while strictly enforcing laws against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods through Apapa Port.
He also commended officers of the command and the NDLEA for their professionalism and effective collaboration, describing the partnership as critical to the successful interception.
“This seizure demonstrates our commitment to ensuring only lawful trade thrives at Apapa Port. We have made this port a no-go area for anything forbidden by our laws,” Oshoba said.
He added that investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the shipment and ensure everyone connected to the smuggling operation is brought to justice.
Oshoba also assured compliant importers and traders of the Nigeria Customs Service’s continued support through trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Comptroller-General.
In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant laws, he ordered the immediate seizure of the 40-foot container and its contents, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from dangerous substances and safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s ports against smugglers and criminal networks.
