Nigeria Customs Seizes ₦26.57bn Cannabis Concealed Inside Imported Cars At Apapa Port
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, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), underscores the renewed resolve of security agencies to crack down on drug trafficking and other illegal trade through Nigeria’s seaports.
The operation was activated following credible intelligence that raised suspicion on the contents of a 40-foot container with registration number FANU1933352, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Customs Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Command, CSC Isah Sulaiman.
Acting on the information, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, ordered officers on July 10, 2026, to conduct a detailed physical examination of the container.
The probe resulted in the seizure of 4,143.5 kgs. of Cannabis Indica hidden in three imported vehicles. Customs officials seized 162 bags of the banned substance, each parcel weighing some 500 grams, amounting to 8,287 parcels.
The container also contained three imported vehicles, including a red 2015 Nissan Micra, a black 2019 Toyota Corolla S and a grey 2015 Toyota Corolla.
Four bags of Cannabis Indica were concealed inside the Nissan Micra, Customs said, while the other 158 bags were cleverly hidden under the floor of the container, and in the tight spaces between the vehicles. Officers confirmed no illegal drugs were found in either of the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.
Comptroller Oshoba who spoke on the successful interception said the seizure was a further testament to the Command’s un-wavering commitment to protect Nigeria’s borders from smugglers and criminal networks who are bent on using the country’s busiest seaport as an entry point for prohibited goods.
He noted that the Apapa Area Command is still committed to allowing only legitimate trade activities through the port.
“This seizure is yet another illustration of our relentless commitment to ensuring that only legitimate trade prospers at Apapa Port. “As investigations continue, I want to reiterate that this command has made the port a no-go area for anything prohibited under Nigerian law,” Oshoba said.
He said the operation was in tandem 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.
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The Customs chief also reassured compliant importers and business owners that the agency remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining strict enforcement against criminal activities.
“Those who are genuine traders and who comply with the customs rules will continue to enjoy the various trade facilitation initiatives that have been introduced by the Comptroller-General,” he said.
Oshoba commended the officers and men of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism, dedication and vigilance during the operation. He also commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its robust partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that the collaboration was critical in the fight against drug trafficking and improving national security.
The Customs Area Controller upon discovery ordered the immediate seizure of the container in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“Investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the attempted smuggling operation and to bring all suspects involved in the illicit shipment to justice, authorities said.
