LAGOS –The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has intercepted cannabis indica worth ₦26.5 billion concealed in a 1×40ft container during a joint examination with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the seizure involved 4,143.5 kilograms of cannabis indica.
He said the drugs were discovered on Friday, July 10, 2026, following credible intelligence that prompted a thorough examination of container number FANU1933352.
Oshoba said officers found three used vehicles inside the container: a red 2015 Nissan Micra, a black 2019 Toyota Corolla S, and a gray 2015 Toyota Corolla.
He added that a detailed search revealed 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of cannabis indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams.
“The drugs were carefully concealed within the container to evade detection by security agencies,” he said.
Oshoba stated that four bags were concealed inside the red Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were recovered from the container floor and in spaces between the vehicles.
He noted that no illicit substances were found in the black Toyota Corolla S or the gray Toyota Corolla.
“The drugs were strategically packed to maximise concealment while using the vehicles as cover,” he said.
Photo caption: picture of container with vehicles contained the 8,287 parcels of cannabis indica intercepted at Apapa Port
The CAC said the seizure reflected the command’s vigilance and commitment to intercepting prohibited items, especially illicit drugs that threaten public health, safety and national security.
He noted that the operation aligned with the zero-tolerance directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, against all forms of illicit trade in Nigerian ports.
Oshoba reaffirmed the command’s resolve to facilitate legitimate trade while strictly enforcing laws against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods through Apapa Port.
He commended officers of the Command for their diligence and professionalism during the examination, stressing that synergy with NDLEA was critical to the successful interception.
“This seizure demonstrates our commitment to ensuring only lawful trade thrives at Apapa Port. We have made this port a no-go area for anything forbidden by our laws,” Oshoba said.
He added that investigation into the matter was ongoing to unravel those behind the shipment and bring all persons involved to justice.
The CAC urged compliant traders to remain confident, assuring them of continued trade facilitation incentives provided by the Comptroller-General to ease legitimate business.
In accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other extant laws, Comptroller Oshoba had ordered the immediate seizure of the 1×40ft container and its contents.
According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to protecting Nigerians from dangerous substances and maintaining the integrity of the nation’s ports against smugglers and criminal networks.(NAN)
