Nigeria Customs Seizes N26.57bn Cannabis Hidden Inside Imported Cars At Apapa Port
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted a massive shipment of Cannabis Indica with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦26.57 billion, concealed inside a container carrying imported used vehicles at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
The seizure, carried out in collaboration 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 illicit trade through Nigeria’s seaports.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Customs Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Command, CSC Isah Sulaiman, the operation was initiated following credible intelligence that raised suspicion about the contents of a 40-foot container bearing registration number FANU1933352.
Acting on the intelligence, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, directed officers to conduct a comprehensive physical examination of the container on July 10, 2026.
The inspection led to the discovery of 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica, carefully concealed among three imported vehicles. Customs officials found 162 bags containing a total of 8,287 parcels of the prohibited substance, with each parcel weighing approximately 500 grams.
The container also held three imported vehicles—a 2015 red Nissan Micra, a 2019 black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 grey Toyota Corolla.
According to Customs, four bags of Cannabis Indica were hidden inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were expertly concealed beneath the floor of the container and in the narrow spaces between the vehicles. Officers confirmed that no illicit substances were found inside either of the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.
Speaking on the successful interception, Comptroller Oshoba described the seizure as another demonstration of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders from smugglers and criminal networks attempting to use the country’s busiest seaport as an entry point for prohibited goods.
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He stressed that the Apapa Area Command remains determined to ensure that only legitimate trade activities are allowed to pass through the port.
“This seizure once again demonstrates 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 explained that the operation aligns 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 reassured compliant importers and business owners that the agency remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining strict enforcement against criminal activities.
He noted that genuine traders who comply with customs regulations will continue to benefit from various trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Comptroller-General.
Oshoba commended officers and men of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism, dedication, and vigilance throughout the operation. He also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its strong partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, describing the collaboration as vital in combating drug trafficking and strengthening national security.
Following the discovery, the Customs Area Controller ordered the immediate seizure of the container in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the attempted smuggling operation, with the aim of bringing all suspects involved in the illicit shipment to justice.
