Apapa Customs Busts ₦26.5bn Cannabis Shipment Hidden in Vehicles
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted Cannabis Indica valued at ₦26,569,847,771, weighing 4,143.5 kilograms, during a joint examination conducted with officers of 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, in collaboration with the NDLEA, ordered a comprehensive inspection of 40-foot container No. FANU1933352. The examination, carried out on Friday, 10 July 2026, led to the discovery of the illicit consignment.
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 detailed inspection uncovered 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams.
Further examination revealed that four bags of the substance were concealed inside the Red Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were hidden beneath the container floor and in the spaces between the three vehicles. No narcotics were found inside either the Black Toyota Corolla S or the Gray Toyota Corolla.
Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Oshoba said the interception reflects the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating the smuggling of prohibited items, particularly illicit drugs that threaten public health, safety, and national security. He noted that the operation is in line with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, against all forms of illicit trade through Nigeria’s ports.
The Customs Area Controller reaffirmed the Command’s determination to facilitate legitimate trade while strictly enforcing laws against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods. He also commended the officers involved for their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication during the operation.
According to him, “This seizure further demonstrates our unwavering resolve to ensure that only legitimate trade passes through Apapa Port. As investigations continue, we remain committed to making the port inaccessible to traffickers and all forms of prohibited imports.
“I also wish to reassure our compliant traders of our continued support. They will keep benefiting from the trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs to promote legitimate business activities.”
Comptroller Oshoba subsequently ordered the seizure of the 40-foot container in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and other relevant laws.
