Apapa Port Command Busts N26.5bn Cannabis Shipment Hidden Among Imported Cars

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted a shipment of Cannabis Indica with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N26.57 billion concealed among imported used vehicles at the Apapa Port, reaffirming its commitment to tackling illicit trade through Nigeria’s seaports.

The seizure, made in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), involved 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica hidden inside a 40-foot container alongside three imported vehicles.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Customs Public Relations Officer of the Command, CSC Isah Sulaiman, the seizure followed credible intelligence that prompted the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, to order a comprehensive examination of the container.

The statement said the container, with registration number FANU1933352, was subjected to detailed inspection on July 10, 2026, leading to the discovery of 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams.

The illicit consignment was concealed alongside a 2015 red Nissan Micra, a 2019 black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 grey Toyota Corolla.

Customs said four bags of cannabis were hidden inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were carefully concealed on the floor of the container and in the spaces between the vehicles. No narcotics were found inside the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.

Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Oshoba said the interception underscores the Command’s resolve to prevent prohibited items from entering the country through the nation’s busiest seaport.

 “This seizure once again demonstrates our untiring commitment in ensuring that only lawful trade thrives in Apapa Port. As we intensify investigation into the matter, I want to reiterate that this command has made the port a no-go area for anything forbidden by our laws,” he said.

“A breakdown of the seizure shows that Four bags were found concealed inside the Red Nissan Micra (2015 model). The remaining 158 bags were recovered from the floor of the container and in the spaces between the 3 vehicles. No illicit substances were found in the Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) or the Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model).

He noted that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade.

Oshoba also reassured legitimate importers of the Command’s continued support for compliant businesses.

“Let me use this opportunity to rebuild the confidence of our compliant traders and assure them once again that they would always enjoy the many trade facilitation incentives emplaced by the Comptroller-General of Customs,” he added.

The Customs Area Controller commended officers of the Apapa Command and personnel of the NDLEA for their professionalism and vigilance, stressing that the partnership between both agencies continues to strengthen efforts to combat drug trafficking and safeguard national security.

He subsequently ordered the seizure of the container in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, while investigations into the attempted smuggling are ongoing.