The Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Area Command has successfully halted a major smuggling operation involving 1.8 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa and large quantities of expired pharmaceutical drugs valued at over ₦12.78 billion.
On Monday, June 15, 2026, around 12:00 PM, Customs officers working with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted a 40-foot shipping container (CAAU7569127) based on credible intelligence. Inside the container, operatives discovered 3,639 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, widely known as “Canadian Loud.” Each sachet weighed 500 grams, bringing the total seizure to 1,819 kilograms or 1.81 tonnes. Field tests confirmed the substance as Cannabis Sativa.
The smugglers had hidden the drugs inside a black Toyota Nissan vehicle and a Toyota Sienna, alongside several bags and drums packed within the container. Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa, said this intelligence-driven operation proves the Command can detect and break up complex smuggling networks trying to use Nigeria’s ports for illegal activities.
In a separate action, the Command also stopped two 40-foot containers filled with expired medicine meant for illegal relabeling and sale in Nigeria. Inspectors found drugs with expiry dates from 2021, 2022, and 2023 that vendors planned to repackage and sell to unsuspecting Nigerian consumers, creating serious health dangers.
The first container (PCIU8771576) held expired Cidoxilin Capsules, Cynamine Vitamin B12 Injection, and Becoline B-Complex Injection. The second container (MRKU4961275) contained Oxytocin Injection, Mexclor Eye Drops, Avomex Tablets, Carbamazepine Tablets, Silymarin Tablets, Nystatin Tablets, and Hyoscine Butylbromide Tablets.
All seized goods carry a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦12,784,479,341.72. This massive seizure reveals the scale of economic sabotage being attempted and shows Customs commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy, public health, and national security through intelligence-led enforcement.
These interceptions stopped harmful and useless medicines from reaching Nigerian hospitals, pharmacies, and households.
The Apapa Command’s success proves its enforcement strategy relies on intelligence gathering, smart profiling, data analysis, and strong cooperation with other agencies. The Command uses modern methods to target risky shipments while supporting legitimate trade as part of the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business plan.
Comptroller Oshoba warned that “importers and their accomplices who smuggle drugs, traffic narcotics, and import expired medicines are enemies of Nigeria’s progress. We have the intelligence, technology, and determination to find and arrest them. Anyone planning such crimes should stop immediately because consequences will be fast, firm, and without compromise. Apapa Port will not serve as a channel for economic sabotage and public health disasters.”
Oshoba added that Apapa Port and all Customs areas stay under constant watch. Every officer at the Command remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s economy, ensuring public health safety, and stopping criminals from exploiting the nation’s borders.
The Controller assured all Nigerians that the Command will continue intensifying intelligence-led operations to protect lives, secure legitimate trade, and maintain national security.