Customs Uncovers ₦26.57bn Cannabis Hidden in Imported Vehicles at Apapa Port
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica with an estimated street value of ₦26.57 billion, concealed inside a container carrying imported used vehicles at the Apapa Port.
The massive seizure was made during a joint examination conducted by officers of the Apapa Area Command and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Command’s Enforcement Unit.
According to the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the operation followed credible intelligence, prompting the thorough inspection of a 40-foot container (No. FANU1933352), which led to the discovery on Friday, July 10, 2026.
The container was declared to contain three used vehicles—a 2015 Red Nissan Micra, a 2019 Black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 Gray Toyota Corolla. However, a detailed examination uncovered 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, each weighing 500 grams, bringing the total weight of the illicit consignment to 4,143.5 kilograms.
A breakdown of the seizure revealed that four bags of Cannabis Indica were hidden inside the Red Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were carefully concealed beneath the container floor and in spaces between the three vehicles. No illicit substance was found inside the Black Toyota Corolla S or the Gray Toyota Corolla.
Comptroller Oshoba described the seizure as another testament to the Apapa Command’s unwavering commitment to combating illicit trade and protecting the nation’s borders from dangerous substances that threaten public health, safety, and national security.
He noted that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, against the importation of prohibited items through Nigeria’s seaports.
The Customs boss reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining strict enforcement against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods. He also commended officers involved in the operation for their diligence and professionalism.
“This seizure once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives at Apapa Port. As investigations continue, I want to reiterate that this command has made the port a no-go area for anything prohibited under our laws,” Oshoba stated.
He further assured compliant importers and traders of the Command’s continued support through various trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs.
Following the discovery, Comptroller Oshoba ordered the seizure of the 40-foot container in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other applicable laws, while investigations into the smuggling attempt continue.