Apapa Customs Seizes ₦26.5bn Cannabis Hidden in Imported Vehicles

Victoria Silvanus

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted Cannabis Indica valued at ₦26.57 billion concealed in a container carrying imported vehicles at the Lagos Port.

The seizure, which weighed 4,143.5 kilograms, was made during a joint examination conducted by officers of the Apapa Command and personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to the press release issued by the command public relations officer,Chief Superintendent of Customs Isa Suleiman the illicit consignment was discovered in a 40-foot container, FANU1933352, following credible intelligence that prompted a thorough inspection of the cargo.

Speaking on the seizure, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, disclosed that the container contained three used vehicles comprising a red Nissan Micra (2015 model), a black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model), and a grey Toyota Corolla (2015 model).

He explained that a detailed examination of the container led to the discovery of 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, with each parcel weighing approximately 500 grams.
A breakdown of the seizure revealed that four bags of the illicit substance were concealed inside the red Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were hidden beneath the container floor and in spaces between the three vehicles. No prohibited items were found inside the two Toyota Corolla vehicles.

The Comptroller noted that the operation underscores the Command’s commitment to combating the smuggling of prohibited substances through the nation’s seaports.

 He said the interception aligns with the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, against illicit trade and other criminal activities that threaten national security and public health.

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

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

The CAC also commended officers involved in the operation for their diligence and professionalism, stressing that the Command remains vigilant in enforcing relevant laws while facilitating legitimate business activities.

Following the discovery, He ordered the seizure of the container in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other extant laws.

The latest interception adds to a series of anti-smuggling successes recorded by the Apapa Area Command as Customs authorities continue to intensify efforts to prevent the entry of illicit drugs and other prohibited items into the country through the nation’s busiest seaports  the Compt concluded

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