Apapa Port: Nigeria Customs Uncovers N26.57bn Cannabis Shipment Hidden in Cars

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a huge consignment of Cannabis Indica with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N26.57 billion, hidden inside a container carrying imported used vehicles at the Apapa Port, Lagos.

The seizure, which was carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), underscores the renewed resolve of security agencies to clamp down on drug trafficking and other forms of illegal trade through Nigeria’s seaports.

The operation, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Customs Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Command, CSC Isah Sulaiman, was activated following credible intelligence that raised suspicion about the contents of a 40-foot container bearing registration number FANU1933352.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, acting on the information, ordered officers to carry out a detailed physical examination of the container on July 10, 2026.

The inspection resulted in the seizure of 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica, hidden within three imported vehicles. Customs officials discovered 162 bags of the prohibited substance, with each parcel weighing approximately 500 grams, in total 8,287 parcels.

The container also contained three imported vehicles, a red Nissan Micra 2015, a black Toyota Corolla S 2019 and a grey Toyota Corolla 2015.

Customs said four bags of Cannabis Indica were hidden inside the Nissan Micra, while the other 158 bags were cleverly hidden under the floor of the container and in the tight spaces between the vehicles. No illegal drugs were found in either of the two Toyotas, officers confirmed.

Comptroller Oshoba, who spoke on the successful interception, described the seizure as another demonstration of the Command’s constant dedication to protecting Nigeria’s borders from smugglers and criminal networks attempting to use the country’s busiest seaport as an entry point for prohibited goods.

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He said the Apapa Area Command is still committed to allowing only legitimate trade activities through the port.

“This seizure is yet another demonstration of our untiring commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives at Apapa Port. As investigations continue, I want to reaffirm that this command has made the port a no-go area for anything prohibited under Nigerian law,” Oshoba said.

He explained that the operation was in line with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, against smuggling, drug trafficking and other forms of illegal cross-border trade.

The Customs boss further assured compliant importers and business owners that the agency is still committed to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining strict enforcement against criminal activities.

“Those who abide by customs regulations and are genuine traders will continue to benefit from the various trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Comptroller-General,” he said.

Oshoba commended officers and men of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism, dedication and vigilance during the operation. He equally commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its robust partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, saying the collaboration was critical in fighting drug trafficking and boosting national security.

Upon the discovery, the Customs Area Controller ordered the immediate seizure of the container in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Investigations are underway to identify those behind the attempted smuggling operation and bring all suspects involved in the illicit shipment to justice, authorities said.