Smugglers’ Nightmare: Customs, NDLEA Nab 347.5kg Cannabis at Apapa

 Victoria Silvanus

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Port Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, concealed in an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle at the Apapa Seaport, Lagos.

According to a press release issued by the Customs Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the seizure was made less than 24 hours after the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, received the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit, highlighting the command’s heightened enforcement drive.

Customs officials disclosed that the illicit drugs were concealed in 13 bags hidden inside one of four vehicles imported in a single consignment. A detailed examination revealed ten bags weighing 25kg each, one bag weighing 29kg, and two bags weighing 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, bringing the total seizure to 347.5kg.
The interception represents the fourth major joint drug seizure by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port within the last two months, reinforcing the command’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling.
Reacting to the development, Comptroller Oshoba issued a stern warning to smugglers, stating that “any attempt by criminal elements to traffic prohibited items through Apapa Port will be detected and thwarted. We remain vigilant and resolute in protecting our society and national security.”

He attributed the success to strengthened inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, noting that intelligence sharing and joint operations between the NCS and NDLEA have significantly disrupted smuggling networks within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Comptroller Oshoba further disclosed that the planned deployment of a 200-container-per-hour drive-through scanner would enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations at the port.
In line with established Standard Operating Procedures, the seized drugs have been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of suspects linked to the consignment.

The seizure adds to recent accolades received by Comptroller Oshoba and the NDLEA Apapa Special Area Commander, Mohammed Tukur, who were awarded the WCO Certificate of Merit on Monday, 26 January 2026, in Abuja during activities marking International Customs Day (ICD).

The operation aligns with the 2026 ICD theme: “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment.”
Reaffirming the command’s mandate, the CAC stated that the Apapa Port Command remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to combat illicit activities and safeguard the nation.

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