Customs Intercepts ₦26.57bn Cannabis Hidden in Imported Vehicles at Apapa Port.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Northern Bureau Chief
July 14, 2026.
LAGOS – In one of the largest anti-drug seizures recorded at Nigeria’s busiest seaport in recent times, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted a massive consignment of Cannabis Indica valued at ₦26.57 billion, ingeniously concealed inside a 40-foot container loaded with imported used vehicles at the Apapa Port, Lagos.
The seizure, which underscores the renewed determination of security agencies to combat transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking, was made during a joint cargo examination conducted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
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According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the operation followed credible intelligence received by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, who immediately ordered a comprehensive physical examination of the suspicious container bearing registration number FANU1933352.
The painstaking inspection uncovered 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica, carefully packaged in 162 bags containing a total of 8,287 parcels, each weighing approximately 500 grams.
Investigations revealed that the smugglers adopted sophisticated concealment methods aimed at evading security checks. The illicit drugs were hidden inside and beneath imported vehicles as well as specially created compartments within the container.
The container also carried three imported used vehicles comprising:
A 2015 Red Nissan Micra
A 2019 Black Toyota Corolla S.
A 2015 Gray Toyota Corolla
Customs officials disclosed that four bags of Cannabis Indica were concealed inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were hidden beneath the container floor and within the spaces between the vehicles. A thorough examination confirmed that no narcotics were concealed inside the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.
Speaking on the interception, Comptroller Oshoba described the seizure as another significant breakthrough in the Command’s ongoing campaign against the smuggling of prohibited goods through Nigeria’s maritime gateways.
He stated that the interception demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to protecting Nigerians from the dangers associated with illicit drugs, noting that narcotics remain one of the major drivers of criminality, insecurity, youth addiction and other social vices.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in preventing the importation of prohibited substances capable of endangering public health, undermining national security and threatening the socio-economic wellbeing of Nigerians,” Oshoba said.
He explained that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, against smuggling, illicit trade and all forms of transnational criminal activities conducted through the nation’s ports and borders.
The Area Controller reaffirmed that while the Service remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade and improving cargo clearance processes, it would not compromise enforcement responsibilities under the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other extant laws regulating international trade.
He commended officers of the Apapa Area Command and their counterparts from the NDLEA for their professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach that led to the successful interception.
According to him, compliant importers and licensed customs agents have nothing to fear, as the Service will continue to support legitimate businesses through trade facilitation initiatives while ensuring that criminal networks do not exploit Nigeria’s ports for illegal activities.
Comptroller Oshoba further announced that the seized container has been placed under Customs custody, while a full-scale investigation has commenced to identify and apprehend all individuals and syndicates connected with the attempted importation.
Security experts have described the seizure as a major boost to Nigeria’s ongoing war against drug trafficking, noting that the interception prevented a huge quantity of illicit substances from finding their way into communities across the country.
Analysts also believe the successful operation highlights the growing synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, whose sustained intelligence sharing and joint enforcement operations continue to frustrate the activities of international drug trafficking syndicates seeking to use Nigeria’s ports as transit routes.
The latest seizure further reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening border security, enhancing inter-agency collaboration and protecting the nation’s economy and public health from the devastating effects of illicit drug trafficking.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 14TH 2026)
