The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted Cannabis Indica valued at ₦26.57 billion concealed inside three imported used vehicles at Apapa Port, following a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The seizure was made after intelligence-led surveillance by the NCS and the NDLEA prompted a comprehensive examination of a 40-foot container (FANU1933352) at the Apapa Area Command’s Enforcement Unit.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 4,143.5 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica, making it one of the largest drug seizures recorded at the port in recent times.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the operation, carried out on July 10, 2026, followed credible intelligence received by the command in collaboration with the NDLEA.
He explained that the container was declared to contain three imported used vehicles a 2015 red Nissan Micra, a 2019 black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 grey Toyota Corolla, but a detailed inspection uncovered 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams.
According to Oshoba, investigators found four bags of the illicit substance concealed inside the red Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were hidden beneath the floor of the container and in the spaces between the three vehicles. He added that no narcotics were discovered inside either the black Toyota Corolla S or the grey Toyota Corolla.
The Customs Area Controller said the successful interception underscores the Apapa Area Command’s vigilance in preventing prohibited items from entering the country and reflects its commitment to safeguarding public health, public safety and national security.
He noted that the seizure aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, against the importation of illicit drugs and other prohibited goods through Nigeria’s seaports.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to balancing trade facilitation with strict enforcement, Oshoba assured legitimate importers and traders that Customs would continue to support lawful business while intensifying efforts against smugglers and criminal networks.
“This seizure once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives at 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 prohibited by our laws,” he said.
He also assured compliant traders that they would continue to benefit from the trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs to promote legitimate commerce.
Following the interception, Comptroller Oshoba directed the seizure of the 40-foot container in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant laws, while investigations continue to identify and prosecute those behind the attempted importation.