The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted a massive consignment of Cannabis Indica worth ₦26.57 billion, concealed inside a 40-foot container transporting imported used vehicles, in one of the largest drug seizures recorded at Nigeria’s premier seaport.
The seizure, involving 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica, was made during a joint examination by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and 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, directed a comprehensive inspection of container No. FANU1933352, leading to the discovery of the illicit cargo on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Although the container was officially declared to contain three used vehicles—a 2015 red Nissan Micra, a 2019 black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 grey Toyota Corolla—officers uncovered 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, each weighing 500 grams.
Investigations revealed that four bags of the narcotics were hidden inside the red Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags had been expertly concealed beneath the container floor and in compartments between the three vehicles. No illicit substances were found inside the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.
Speaking on the operation, Comptroller Oshoba described the interception as a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking and a clear demonstration of the Command’s determination to prevent prohibited goods from entering the country.
He said the successful operation reflects the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade.
According to him, the Apapa Area Command remains committed to balancing effective trade facilitation with strict enforcement of customs laws to protect national security, public health, and the economy.
“This seizure once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that only legitimate trade thrives at Apapa Port,” Oshoba stated.
“As investigations continue, we remain resolute in making the port inaccessible to individuals and syndicates involved in unlawful activities. At the same time, compliant traders will continue to benefit from the trade facilitation measures introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs to support seamless and legitimate business operations.”
Following the interception, the Customs Area Controller ordered the seizure of the container in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and other applicable laws.
The seized Cannabis Indica will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation, prosecution of those responsible, and other necessary legal actions.
The operation further highlights the growing collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA in combating transnational organised crime and preventing illicit drugs from entering Nigeria through its seaports.
Other headline options:
- Apapa Customs Seize ₦26.57bn Cannabis Concealed in Imported Vehicles
- Customs Bust Major Drug Smuggling Plot, Recover ₦26.57bn Cannabis at Apapa Port
- How Apapa Customs Uncovered ₦26.57bn Cannabis Hidden Inside Imported Cars
- Massive Drug Haul: Apapa Customs Intercept ₦26.57bn Cannabis in Vehicle Container
- Nigeria Customs Foil ₦26.57bn Cannabis Smuggling Attempt at Apapa Port
