Customs intercepts ₦26.57bn cannabis hidden in imported vehicles at Apapa Port

By Onu Okorie

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica with an estimated street value of ₦26.57 billion, concealed inside a container of imported used vehicles at the Apapa Port in Lagos.

The seizure, made in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), followed intelligence that prompted a thorough examination of a 40-foot container, identified as FANU1933352, at the Command’s Enforcement Unit.

Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the examination, conducted on July 10, 2026, uncovered 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, each weighing 500 grams.

According to him, the container also carried three used vehicles—a 2015 red Nissan Micra, a 2019 black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 gray Toyota Corolla.

He explained that four bags of the illicit substance were concealed inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were hidden on the floor of the container and in the spaces between the three vehicles. No narcotics were found inside the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.

Oshoba described the seizure as a demonstration of the Apapa Command’s vigilance and commitment to preventing the importation of prohibited items capable of threatening public health, safety and national security.

He said the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, against illicit trade through Nigeria’s seaports.

“This seizure once again demonstrates our untiring commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives in Apapa Port. As we intensify investigations into the matter, I want to reiterate that this command has made the port a no-go area for anything forbidden by our laws,” Oshoba said.

He also reassured compliant importers and clearing agents that the Command would continue to provide trade facilitation incentives while maintaining strict enforcement against smugglers and other violators.

The Customs Area Controller subsequently ordered the seizure of the container in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant laws, while investigations into the attempted importation continue.