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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted 4,143.5 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica with an estimated street value of N26.57 billion concealed in a 40-foot container at Apapa Port, Lagos.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, disclosed that the seizure was made during a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following credible intelligence that prompted a thorough examination of the container.
According to Oshoba, the container, bearing number FANU1933352, was subjected to a comprehensive inspection by officers of the Command’s Enforcement Unit alongside NDLEA operatives.
The examination uncovered 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, each weighing 500 grammes, with a total weight of 4,143.5 kilogrammes.
The illicit drugs were cleverly concealed alongside three imported used vehicles—a 2015 red Nissan Micra, a 2019 black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 grey Toyota Corolla. Four bags of cannabis were hidden inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were concealed beneath the container floor and in compartments between the vehicles. No narcotics were found inside the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.
Comptroller Oshoba described the interception as another demonstration of the Command’s unwavering resolve to prevent prohibited goods from entering the country and protect public health, national security and legitimate trade.
“The seizure once again demonstrates our untiring commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives at Apapa Port,” he said.
“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. I also want to reassure compliant traders that they will continue to benefit from the trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs.”
The CAC added that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade through the nation’s seaports.
He also commended officers of the Apapa Area Command and NDLEA personnel for their professionalism, vigilance and collaboration, noting that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the attempted importation.
Oshoba further stated that the 40-foot container has been seized in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and other relevant laws.
The information was contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Area Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman.
