Imported Cars Used as Cover for ₦26.57bn Cannabis Smuggling Attempt at Apapa

 Imported Cars Used as Cover for ₦26.57bn Cannabis Smuggling Attempt at Apapa

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted 4,143.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica with an estimated street value of ₦26.57 billion, concealed inside a 40-foot container loaded with imported used vehicles at the Apapa Port in Lagos.

The seizure was made during a joint inspection by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), following credible intelligence that prompted a detailed examination of the container.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Customs Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the operation was carried out under the directive of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba.

The statement disclosed that the 40-foot container, identified as FANU1933352, was thoroughly examined on July 10, 2026, leading to the discovery of 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams, for a total weight of 4,143.5 kilograms.

The illicit drugs were concealed alongside three imported used vehicles: a 2015 red Nissan Micra, a 2019 black Toyota Corolla S, and a 2015 gray Toyota Corolla.

Customs said four bags of Cannabis Indica were hidden inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were concealed beneath the container floor and in spaces between the vehicles. No illicit substance was found inside the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.

Comptroller Oshoba described the seizure as a testament to the Command's vigilance and commitment to combating the importation of prohibited goods through the nation's seaports.

He noted that the interception aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, against illicit trade and smuggling.

"This seizure once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives at Apapa Port. As investigations continue, I want to reiterate that this command has made the port a no-go area for anything prohibited by our laws," Oshoba said.

He also reassured compliant importers and traders of the Command's continued commitment to trade facilitation, stressing that legitimate businesses would continue to benefit from incentives introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Customs Area Controller further ordered the seizure of the container in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant laws, while investigations into the shipment continue.