By ebosele@hotmail.com
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted a massive consignment of Cannabis Indica with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦26.57 billion, reinforcing its commitment to combating illicit trade and safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
The seizure, carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), involved 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica concealed inside a 40-foot container at the Command’s Enforcement Unit.
According to a statement issued by the Customs Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the operation followed credible intelligence which prompted the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, to order a thorough examination of container FANU1933352.
The examination, conducted on July 10, 2026, revealed that the container was carrying three used vehicles—a 2015 Red Nissan Micra, a 2019 Black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 Gray Toyota Corolla.
Further inspection uncovered 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams, bringing the total weight of the seized narcotics to 4,143.5 kilograms.
A breakdown of the seizure showed that four bags of the illicit substance were concealed inside the Red Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were hidden beneath the floor of the container and in the spaces between the three vehicles. No prohibited substances were found inside the Black Toyota Corolla S or the Gray Toyota Corolla.
Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Oshoba described it as another testament to the Apapa Area Command’s vigilance and determination to prevent the importation of prohibited items capable of endangering public health, safety and national security.
He noted that the interception aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, against all forms of illicit trade through Nigeria’s ports.
“This seizure once again demonstrates our untiring commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives in Apapa Port. As we intensify investigations into the matter, I want to reiterate that this Command has made the port a no-go area for anything prohibited by our laws,” Oshoba said.
The Customs Area Controller also reassured compliant importers and exporters of the Command’s commitment to trade facilitation.
“Let me use this opportunity to rebuild the confidence of our compliant traders and assure them once again that they will continue to enjoy the many trade facilitation incentives put in place by the Comptroller-General of Customs,” he added.
Comptroller Oshoba commended officers of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism and diligence during the examination, while reaffirming the Command’s resolve to facilitate legitimate trade and strictly enforce the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other extant laws against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods.
The seized container and its contents are expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities as investigations continue into those behind the attempted smuggling operation.
