The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted Cannabis Indica valued at ₦26.57 billion concealed inside a container of imported used vehicles, in one of the Command’s largest anti-smuggling seizures in recent times.
The seizure, carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), involved 4,143.5 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica concealed in a 40-foot container (No. FANU1933352) at the Command’s Enforcement Unit.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, ordered a comprehensive examination of the container, leading to the discovery on July 10, 2026.
The container, which carried three used vehicles – a 2015 Red Nissan Micra, a 2019 Black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 Gray Toyota Corolla was found to contain 162 bags holding 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams.
A breakdown of the seizure showed that four bags of the illicit substance were concealed inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were hidden beneath the container floor and in the spaces between the three vehicles. No narcotics were found inside the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.
Oshoba described the interception as a testament to the Command’s vigilance and commitment to combating illicit trade, stressing that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, against the importation of prohibited items through Nigeria’s seaports.
He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to facilitate legitimate trade while maintaining strict enforcement against prohibited and restricted imports.
“This seizure once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives at Apapa Port. As we intensify investigations into this case, I want to reiterate that this Command has made the port a no-go area for anything prohibited by our laws.
“I also want to reassure our compliant traders that they will continue to enjoy the trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs”, Oshoba said.
The Customs Area Controller has directed the seizure of the 40-foot container in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, while investigations into the importation are ongoing.