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, carried out in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), highlights the renewed determination of security agencies to clamp down on drug trafficking and other forms of illegal trade through Nigeria’s seaports.
The operation, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Customs Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Command, CSC Isah Sulaiman, was activated following credible intelligence that raised suspicion on the contents of a 40-foot container with registration number FANU1933352.
Acting on the information, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, on July 10, 2026, ordered officers to conduct a detailed physical examination of the container.
The inspection led to the confiscation of 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica, concealed inside three imported vehicles. Customs officials found 162 bags of the banned substance, with each parcel weighing about 500 grams, totaling 8,287 parcels.
The container also held three imported vehicles, including a red 2015 Nissan Micra, a black 2019 Toyota Corolla S and a grey 2015 Toyota Corolla.
Customs said four bags of Cannabis Indica were concealed inside the Nissan Micra, 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 located inside either of the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.
Comptroller Oshoba, who commented on the successful interception, said the seizure was another demonstration of the Command’s un-wavering commitment to protecting the Nigeria’s borders from smugglers and criminal networks who are trying to use the country’s busiest seaport as an entry point for prohibited goods.
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He said the Apapa Area Command remained committed to allowing legitimate trade activities through the port.
“This seizure is a further demonstration of our untiring commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives at Apapa Port. “As investigations continue, I want to reaffirm that this command has made the port a no-go area for anything prohibited under Nigerian law,” Oshoba said.
He said that the operation was in line 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.
The Customs boss also assured compliant importers and business owners that the agency is still committed to facilitating legitimate trade whilst maintaining strict enforcement against criminal activities.
“Those who comply with custom rules and are bona fide traders will continue to benefit from the various trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Comptroller-General,” he said.
Oshoba applauded officers and men of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism, dedication and vigilance during the operation. He also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its strong partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, saying the collaboration was key in the fight against drug trafficking and enhancing national security.
Upon the discovery, the Customs Area Controller directed the immediate seizure of the container in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the attempted smuggling operation and to bring all suspects involved in the illicit shipment to justice.