The Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Area Command, has recorded another major success in its ongoing efforts to combat transnational crime, illicit trade, and threats to public health and national security.
Acting on credible intelligence and deploying advanced risk assessment tools, officers of the Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), intercepted a 40-foot container (No. CAAU7569127) carrying a large consignment of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as “Canadian Loud.”
The interception, which took place on June 15, 2026, led to the recovery of 3,639 sachets of the illicit substance, each weighing 500 grams, with a total weight of approximately 1,819 kilograms (1.81 tonnes). Preliminary field tests confirmed the substance as Cannabis Sativa.
According to Customs, “the drugs were concealed inside a vehicle alongside bags and drums loaded within the container, underscoring the sophisticated methods employed by smuggling syndicates. The successful operation highlights the Command’s enhanced intelligence and enforcement capabilities in detecting and disrupting criminal networks seeking to exploit Nigeria’s maritime gateways.”
In a separate operation, the Apapa Command also intercepted two 40-foot containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products illegally imported into the country. Physical examination revealed that the medicines had expired between 2021 and 2023 and were allegedly intended for relabelling and reintroduction into the Nigerian market.
One of the containers (No. PCIU8771576) contained expired pharmaceutical products, including Cidoxilin Capsules, Cynamine Vitamin B12 Injection and Becoline B-Complex Injection. The second container (No. MRKU4961275) was found to contain expired medical products such as Oxytocin Injection, Mexclor Eye Drops, Avomex Tablets, Carbamazepine Tablets, Silymarin Tablets, Nystatin Tablets and Hyoscine Butylbromide Tablets.
The seized cannabis and expired pharmaceuticals have a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦12.78 billion.
Customs said “the seizures prevented dangerous drugs and ineffective medications from reaching hospitals, pharmacies and households across the country.”
Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, described those involved in smuggling, drug trafficking and the importation of expired medicines as enemies of the nation’s progress.
He warned that the Nigeria Customs Service possesses the intelligence, technology and operational capacity to identify, apprehend and prosecute offenders, stressing that “Apapa Port would not be allowed to serve as a channel for economic sabotage or activities that endanger public health.”
Oshoba further stated that Apapa Port and all Customs-controlled areas remain under constant surveillance, assuring Nigerians that officers of the Command are committed to protecting the economy, safeguarding public health and preventing criminal exploitation of the nation’s borders.
The Comptroller reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-led operations, facilitating legitimate trade and supporting the Nigerian Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda while ensuring national security remains a top priority.
