Joseph Chibu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted a 40-foot container containing Cannabis Indica worth ₦26.56 billion at the Apapa Port, Lagos.
The seizure was made during a joint examination exercise involving officers of the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following credible intelligence.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, ordered a thorough inspection of the container numbered FANU1933352.
The examination, conducted on Friday, July 10, 2026, revealed three used vehicles inside the container — a 2015 Nissan Micra, a 2019 Toyota Corolla S and a 2015 Toyota Corolla.
Further search uncovered 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams.
Four bags of the illicit substance were found concealed inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were recovered from the container floor and spaces between the vehicles.
Comptroller Oshoba said the seizure reflects the Command’s commitment to preventing the importation of prohibited items, especially illicit drugs that pose threats to public health and national security.
He reiterated the Command’s alignment with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, against illegal trade activities.
The Customs Area Controller assured legitimate traders of continued support and trade facilitation while warning that the Command would remain firm against the importation of prohibited goods.
He ordered the seizure of the container in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant laws, while investigations into the consignment continue.