Nigeria Customs Seizes N26.5bn Cannabis Hidden in Imported Vehicles at Apapa Port

Nigeria Customs Seizes N26.5bn Cannabis Hidden in Vehicles at Apapa Port

 Description: Nigeria Customs intercepted 4,143.5kg of cannabis indica worth N26.5 billion hidden inside imported vehicles at Apapa Port in one of the country's biggest anti-drug operations.

Nigeria Customs Intercepts N26.5 Billion Cannabis Shipment Concealed in Imported Vehicles

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking after intercepting 4,143.5 kilograms of cannabis indica with an estimated street value of N26.5 billion.

The massive seizure, made during a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), highlights the Federal Government's intensified crackdown on illicit imports and transnational drug trafficking through Nigeria's seaports.

Apapa Port Remains Closed to Prohibited Goods

The Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, reaffirmed that Apapa Port remains a no-go zone for goods prohibited under Nigerian law.

According to Oshoba, the seizure reflects the command's unwavering commitment to safeguarding national security, protecting public health, and ensuring that only legitimate trade passes through the country's busiest seaport.

> "This seizure demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives at Apapa Port. We will continue to make the port inaccessible to smugglers and prohibited imports while supporting compliant traders through trade facilitation initiatives," Oshoba stated.

He added that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, against all forms of smuggling and illegal trade.

Intelligence-Led Operation Uncovers Massive Drug Haul

According to the Command's Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, Customs officers acted on credible intelligence in collaboration with the NDLEA before carrying out a comprehensive inspection of a 40-foot container (Registration No. FANU1933352).

The examination, conducted on July 10, 2026, revealed an elaborate attempt to conceal large quantities of cannabis inside imported vehicles and hidden compartments within the container.

Vehicles Used to Conceal Cannabis

The container held three imported used vehicles:

Red Nissan Micra (2015 model)

Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model)

Grey Toyota Corolla (2015 model)

During the search, officers discovered:

162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of cannabis indica

Each parcel weighed 500 grams

Total weight: 4,143.5 kilograms

Estimated street value: N26.5 billion

Investigators found four bags hidden inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were concealed beneath the container floor and in spaces between the vehicles.

No illicit substances were found inside either of the Toyota Corolla vehicles.

Customs Orders Immediate Seizure

Following the discovery, Comptroller Oshoba ordered the seizure of the entire container in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other applicable Nigerian laws.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify everyone connected to the attempted smuggling operation.

Nigeria Intensifies Fight Against Drug Trafficking

The latest seizure is one of the largest cannabis interceptions in recent times and demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement at Nigerian ports.

The Nigeria Customs Service says it will continue working closely with the NDLEA and other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks, prevent illegal imports, and protect Nigerians from the dangers of illicit drugs.

Customs also assured legitimate importers that lawful trade will continue to enjoy faster clearance and improved trade facilitation measures.

Why This Seizure Matters

Drug trafficking poses serious threats to public health, national security, and economic stability. Large-scale interceptions such as this not only prevent dangerous substances from reaching communities but also weaken the operations of organized criminal syndicates.

As enforcement efforts continue, authorities have warned smugglers that Nigerian ports are under heightened surveillance and that anyone caught violating import laws will face the full weight of the law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much cannabis did Nigeria Customs seize?

Nigeria Customs intercepted 4,143.5 kilograms of cannabis indica.

What is the estimated value of the seizure?

The confiscated drugs are valued at approximately N26.5 billion.

Where was the cannabis discovered?

The drugs were hidden inside a 40-foot container carrying imported used vehicles at Apapa Port in Lagos.

Which agencies carried out the operation?

The operation was conducted jointly by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Join the Conversation

>>> What do you think about this record-breaking seizure by the Nigeria Customs Service? Should penalties for drug smuggling be made even tougher?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. Don't forget to share this article, follow us for verified breaking news, and bookmark our website for the latest updates on politics, security, business, and national affairs.