Apapa Customs Command Intercepts Cannabis Indica Worth N26.5bn Concealed With Imported Vehicles
By Asuquo Nuwak
Apapa Customs Command Intercepts Cannabis Indica Worth N26.5bn Concealed With Imported Vehicles
The Apapa Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, has intercepted
₦26,569,847,771 billion worth of cannabis indica weighing 4,143.5 kilograms during a routine examination together with the personnel of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the command’s enforcement unit.
The official report from the command said based on credible intelligence, together with the NDLEA, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba had directed that the 1×40ft container number FANU1933352, be subjected to thorough examination which resulted in the discovery on Friday, 10 July 2026.
The official report further said the container was found to contain three (3) used vehicles, including Red Nissan Micra (2015 model) Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) and Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model).
Accordingly, a thorough search of the container led to the discovery of 162 bags containing a total of 8,287 parcels of cannabis indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams.
The breakdown of the seizure shows that four (4) bags were found concealed inside the Red Nissan Micra (2015 model), while the remaining 158 bags were recovered from the floor of the container and in the spaces between the 3 vehicles.
Meanwhile, no illicit substances were found in the Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) or the Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model).
Comptroller Oshoba further stated that the seizure highlights the Apapa Area Command’s unwavering vigilance and dedication to intercepting prohibited items, particularly illicit drugs that endanger public health, safety and national security.
He emphasized that the action aligns with the zero-tolerance directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, against all forms of illicit trade in the nation’s ports.
He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to facilitate legitimate trade, while rigorously enforcing the law against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods. He commended the officers of the command for their diligence and professionalism in carrying out the examination.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba is quoted as saying that: “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 any thing forbidden by our laws”.
In the words of Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba: “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”.
Beyond all these, Comptroller Oshoba has ordered the seizure of the 1×40ft container in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and extant laws.
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