No Hiding Place: Apapa Customs Intercepts ₦26.5B Cannabis Indica, Declares War On Drugs Smugglers
No Hiding Place: Apapa Customs Intercepts ₦26.5B Cannabis Indica, Declares War On Drugs Smugglers
By Success Okezie
The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, in joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking.
During a routine examination at the Command’s Enforcement Unit, officers intercepted cannabis sativa, popularly known as Cannabis Indica*, with a Duty Paid Value of ₦26,569,847,771. The illicit consignment weighed *4,143.5 kilograms.
Acting on credible intelligence and in close collaboration with the NDLEA, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, directed a thorough examination of a 1×40ft container No. FANU1933352.
The examination conducted on Friday, 10th July 2026* led to the discovery of the prohibited items.
The container was declared to contain three used vehicles:
*A Red Nissan Micra 2015 model
*A Black Toyota Corolla S 2019 model
*A Gray Toyota Corolla 2015 model
A detailed search revealed 62 bags of Cannabis Indica neatly concealed. The bags contained a total of 8,287 parcels, with each parcel weighing 500 grams.
* 4 bags were hidden inside the Red Nissan Micra
– The remaining 158 bags were tucked under the floor of the container and in the spaces between the three vehicles
No illicit substance was found in the Black Toyota Corolla S or the Gray Toyota Corolla.
Comptroller Oshoba described the seizure as proof of the Apapa Command’s commitment to protecting public health, safety, and national security. He stated that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy on smuggling as directed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He said: “This interception further proves our resolve to ensure that Apapa Port remains hostile to smugglers and traffickers of prohibited items. We are intensifying investigations, and I want to assure compliant traders that legitimate trade will continue to enjoy the many trade facilitation measures put in place by the Comptroller-General.”_
The CAC also commended the officers for their diligence and professionalism during the examination.
In accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023* and other extant laws, Comptroller Oshoba has ordered the immediate seizure of the 1×40ft container and its contents. Investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute those behind the illegal importation.
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