Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Authorities at Apapa Port, Lagos, have intercepted a major consignment of cannabis concealed inside an imported vehicle, highlighting growing vigilance against drug trafficking in Nigeria’s maritime sector. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), recovered 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, hidden in 13 bags inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle among a shipment of four imported cars.
The seizure, which occurred on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, was confirmed in a statement by the Apapa Customs Command. According to the report, a detailed weighing of the contraband revealed that ten bags weighed 25 kilograms each, one bag was 29 kilograms, and two bags were 34.5 and 34 kilograms respectively, cumulatively totaling 347.5 kilograms. The discovery came a day after Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Port, was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in recognition of his commitment to effective cargo monitoring and enforcement.
Comptroller Oshoba emphasized that the interception reflects a zero-tolerance approach toward smuggling. He stated that efforts by criminal groups to bypass regulations at Apapa Port would be detected and stopped, underscoring the Customs command’s determination to safeguard national security while facilitating legitimate trade.
This operation marks the fourth major drug seizure by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port within a span of less than two months, demonstrating persistent vigilance and enhanced operational capacity. Officials noted that the seizure was the result of precise intelligence, coordinated inspections, and robust inter-agency cooperation, a collaboration championed by Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD.
The joint operation involved meticulous screening of imported vehicles, underlining the importance of technology and protocol-driven inspections. Comptroller Oshoba further highlighted the upcoming installation of a high-capacity, 200-container-per-hour drive-through scanner, which is expected to enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling measures at the port. The scanner is projected to improve detection rates, reduce inspection time, and strengthen intelligence-led interdictions.
Following standard operating procedures, the seized cannabis has been formally transferred to the NDLEA for further investigation and the prosecution of any individuals connected to the shipment. The move reinforces a broader strategy aimed at disrupting narcotics trafficking networks, securing the supply chain, and protecting public health.
The recent success builds on recognition awarded to both Comptroller Oshoba and NDLEA Apapa Special Area Commander, Mohammed Tukur, who received WCO Certificates of Merit on Monday, January 26, 2026, during the International Customs Day celebrations in Abuja. The event emphasized the theme for 2026: “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,” highlighting the importance of preventive enforcement and public protection.
Officials from both agencies reiterated that their ongoing partnership and shared intelligence are crucial in outsmarting smuggling networks operating in Nigeria’s ports. Comptroller Oshoba underscored that inter-agency coordination, coupled with modern inspection technology, remains central to ensuring that contraband and prohibited items do not enter the country through maritime channels.
The Apapa Port seizure also reflects a broader commitment by Nigerian Customs and law enforcement agencies to uphold international standards of trade security while curtailing illicit drug imports. Both the NCS and NDLEA have maintained that comprehensive checks, intelligence-driven interventions, and cooperative frameworks are essential to combating organized crime in the maritime sector.
The successful operation further reinforces public confidence in the country’s security agencies and demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding society from illegal drugs. By intercepting 347.5 kilograms of cannabis, authorities have prevented a significant quantity of narcotics from entering the local market, where it could have exacerbated social and public health challenges.
Comptroller Oshoba reiterated that Apapa Port will remain a fortified entry point, where every consignment is scrutinized to ensure that legitimate trade flows smoothly while illicit activities are disrupted. The CAC assured that continuous monitoring, strict enforcement, and adherence to international best practices will remain at the core of operations, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a secure and compliant trade hub.
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