The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Apapa Area Command, has intercepted Cannabis Indica valued at ₦26.57 billion concealed inside a container carrying imported used vehicles at the Apapa Port, in what underscores ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking through Nigeria’s seaports.
The seizure, made in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), involved 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica discovered during a routine examination of a 40-foot container.
According to the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the interception followed credible intelligence, which prompted the Command to subject container FANU1933352 to a thorough examination on July 10, 2026.
He said the container was found to contain three used vehicles, a 2015 red Nissan Micra, a 2019 black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 grey Toyota Corolla.
A detailed search uncovered 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams.
Oshoba explained that four bags were concealed inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were hidden beneath the container floor and in spaces between the three vehicles. No illicit substances were found inside the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.
He described the seizure as a demonstration of the Command’s commitment to preventing prohibited items, especially illicit drugs, from entering the country, noting that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade.
The Customs Area Controller reaffirmed that the Command would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while strictly enforcing laws against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods.
“This seizure once again demonstrates our untiring commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives in Apapa Port. 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,” Oshoba said.
He also assured compliant importers and traders that they would continue to benefit from the trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service.
The seized container has been detained in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, while investigations into the shipment continue.