Again, Apapa Port Command Intercepts Cannabis Indica Worth ₦26.5b

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, the flagship of operational excellence has again seized Twenty-Six Billion, Five Hundred and Sixty-Five Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (₦26,569,847,771) worth of Cannabis Indica.

The Command known for its record of high profile routine seizures in recent time said the seized substance weighing 4,143.5 kilograms was made during a routine examination together with the personnel of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Command’s Enforcement Unit.

Relying on credible intelligence together with the NDLEA, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba had  directed that the 1×40ft container number FANU1933352, be subjected to thorough examination which resulted in the discovery on Friday, 10 July 2026.

According to a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman informed that the container was found to contain Three (3) used vehicles- Red Nissan Micra (2015 model) Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) and Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model). The statement added that 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 weighs 500 grams.

He further disclosed that a breakdown of the seizure shows that while Four (4) bags were found concealed inside the Red Nissan Micra (2015 model), the remaining 158 bags were recovered from the floor of the container and in the spaces between the 3 vehicles.

He added that no illicit substances were found in the Black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model) or the Gray Toyota Corolla (2015 model).

Comptroller Oshoba stated that the seizure highlights the Apapa Area Command’s unwavering vigilance and dedication to intercepting prohibited items, particularly illicit drugs that endanger public health, safety and national security. He emphasized that the action aligns with the zero-tolerance directive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR against all forms of illicit trade in the nation’s ports.

The CAC reaffirms the Command’s resolve to facilitate legitimate trade while rigorously enforcing the law against the importation of prohibited and restricted goods while commending the officers of the Command for their diligence and professionalism in carrying out the examination.

He said: “This seizure once again demonstrates our untiring commitment in ensuring that only lawful trade thrives in Apapa Port. As we intensify investigation into the matter, I want to reiterate that this command has made the port a no-go area for anything forbidden by our laws.

“Let me use this opportunity to rebuild the confidence of our compliant traders and assure them once again that they would always enjoy the many trade facilitation incentives emplaced by the Comptroller General of Customs.”

Sulaiman stated that the Apapa Customs boss has ordered the seizure of the 1×40ft container in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and extant laws.