The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted cannabis indica worth N26.5 billion concealed inside imported used vehicles in a 40-foot container at Apapa Port in Lagos.
The seizure, carried out by the Apapa Area Command in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), uncovered 4,143.5 kilogrammes of cannabis hidden in three imported vehicles after intelligence prompted a detailed inspection of the container.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the drugs were discovered on Friday, July 10, during an examination of container number FANU1933352, which contained a 2015 Nissan Micra and two Toyota Corolla vehicles.
According to Oshoba, officers recovered 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of cannabis, with each parcel weighing 500 grammes.
He said four bags were concealed inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were hidden on the floor of the container and in spaces between the vehicles.
No illicit drugs were found inside the two Toyota Corolla cars.
Comptroller Oshoba said the drugs were carefully concealed to evade detection, describing the interception as another success of the command’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy.
He added that investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute those behind the shipment, while the container and its contents have been seized in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant laws.
The Customs Area Controller also commended officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to working with the NDLEA to curb the importation of prohibited goods through Apapa Port.
He urged compliant importers and traders to continue conducting legitimate business, assuring them of the Nigeria Customs Service’s support for lawful trade while maintaining strict enforcement against smuggling and other illegal activities.
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