The Apapa Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday said its officers discovered Cannabis Indica worth ₦26,569,847,771, weighing 4,143.5 kilograms, during a routine examination of three imported used vehicles—a red Nissan Micra (2015 model), a black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model), and a grey Toyota Corolla (2015 model)—at Apapa Port.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the command said the examination was conducted jointly with personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Command’s Enforcement Unit.
According to the statement, “Acting on credible intelligence in collaboration with the NDLEA, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, directed that a 1×40ft container, number FANU1933352, be subjected to a thorough examination, which resulted in the discovery on Friday, July 10, 2026.
“The container was found to contain three used vehicles—a red Nissan Micra (2015 model), a black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model), and a grey 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 weighed 500 grams.
“A breakdown of the seizure shows that four bags were concealed inside the red Nissan Micra (2015 model). The remaining 158 bags were recovered from the floor of the container and the spaces between the three vehicles. No illicit substances were found in the black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) or the grey Toyota Corolla (2015 model).”
Comptroller Oshoba said the seizure highlights the Apapa Area Command’s unwavering vigilance and commitment to intercepting prohibited items, particularly illicit drugs that endanger public health, safety, and national security. He emphasised that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, against all forms of illicit trade at the nation’s ports.
The Customs Area Controller reaffirmed the command’s resolve to facilitate legitimate trade while rigorously enforcing the law against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods. He also commended the officers of the command for their diligence and professionalism during the examination.
He said, “This seizure once again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that only lawful trade thrives at Apapa Port. As we intensify investigations into the matter, I want to reiterate that this command has made the port a no-go area for anything prohibited by our laws.
“Let me use this opportunity to reassure our compliant traders and reaffirm that they will continue to enjoy the many trade facilitation incentives introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs.”
Comptroller Oshoba also ordered the seizure of the 1×40ft container in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other extant laws.
