The Apapa Area 1 Customs Command intercepts Cannabis Indica worth over N26.5 billion concealed in imported vehicles
By Innocent Chukwu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area 1 Command, has intercepted Cannabis Indica with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦26,569,847,771 concealed in imported vehicles.
The illicit consignment, weighing 4,143.5 kilograms, was uncovered during a joint routine examination conducted by officers of the Command’s Enforcement Unit in collaboration with personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
A statement issued by the Customs Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the Command, Issah Suleiman, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC), said the seizure underscored the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and preventing the importation of prohibited substances through the nation’s Premier Port.
Relying on credible intelligence together with the NDLEA, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, had directed that the 1×40ft container number FANU193335/2, be subjected to thorough examination which resulted in the discovery on Friday, July 10, 2026.
The container was found to contain three (3) used vehicles- Red Nissan Micra (2015 model) Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) and Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model). A thorough search of the container led to the discovery of 162 bags containing a total of 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica. Each parcel weighs 500 grams.
A breakdown of the seizure shows that four (4) 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 three vehicles. No illicit substances were found in the black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) or the Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model).
According to the statement, Comptroller Oshoba said the seizure highlighted the Apapa Area 1 Command’s unwavering vigilance and dedication to intercept prohibited items, particularly illicit drugs that endanger public health, safety and national security. He emphasized that the action aligned with the zero-tolerance directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi against all forms of illicit trade in the nation’s ports.
The CAC reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to facilitate legitimate trade by vigorously enforcing the law against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods. He commended the men and officers of the Command for their diligence and professionalism in carrying out the examination.
Oshoba said, “This seizure, once again, demonstrates our untiring commitment to 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.
“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.”
Comptroller Oshoba has ordered the seizure of the 1×40ft container in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and extant laws.
