The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against transnational organised crime, illicit trade, and threats to national security and public health.On Monday, 15 June 2026, acting on credible intelligence and advanced risk assessment, officers of the Command—working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)—intercepted a 40-foot container (No. CAAU7569127) carrying 3,639 sachets of Cannabis Sativa “Canadian Loud”, each weighing 500 grams.
The total haul amounted to 1,819 kilograms (1.81 tonnes). The drugs were concealed inside vehicles, bags, and drums within the container. Field tests confirmed the substance as Cannabis Sativa.
In a related operation, the Command intercepted two 40-foot containers loaded with expired pharmaceuticals illegally imported into Nigeria. Examination revealed expiry dates ranging from 2021 to 2023, with evidence that importers planned to relabel and reintroduce them into the market.
– Container PCIU8771576 contained expired Cidoxilin Capsules, Cynamine Vitamin B12 Injection, and Becoline B-Complex Injection.
– Container MRKU4961275 contained Oxytocin Injection, Mexclor Eye Drops, Avomex Tablets, Carbamazepine Tablets, Silymarin Tablets, Nystatin Tablets, and Hyoscine Butylbromide Tablets.
The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures is ₦12,784,479,341.72, underscoring the scale of the attempted economic sabotage.
These interceptions prevented dangerous drugs and ineffective medicines from entering Nigerian hospitals, pharmacies, and homes.
They also highlight the Command’s reliance on intelligence gathering, strategic profiling, data analysis, and collaboration with partner agencies to dismantle smuggling networks while facilitating legitimate trade.
Commenting on the seizures, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller, warned:
“Unpatriotic importers and their collaborators who engage in smuggling, drug trafficking, and the importation of expired pharmaceuticals are enemies of Nigeria’s progress. We have the intelligence, the technology, and the resolve to identify and apprehend them.”
“Anyone still contemplating these criminal acts should desist immediately, because the consequences will be swift, decisive, and uncompromising.”
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Nigerian economy, safeguarding public health, and preventing criminal exploitation of the nation’s borders through intensified intelligence-driven operations.
