Apapa Customs intercepts N26.5bn drugs hidden in vehicles

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has intercepted cannabis indica worth N26.5 billion concealed in a container during a joint examination with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos State.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Sulaiman quoted the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, as saying that the seizure involved 4,143.5 kilograms of cannabis indica.

Oshoba said the illicit drugs were discovered on Friday, July 10, 2026, following credible intelligence that prompted a thorough examination of the container.

Oshoba said officers found three used vehicles inside the container: a red 2015 Nissan Micra, a black 2019 Toyota Corolla S, and a grey 2015 Toyota Corolla.

He added that a detailed search revealed 162 bags containing 8,287 parcels of cannabis indica, with each parcel weighing 500 grams.

“The drugs were carefully concealed within the container to evade detection by security agencies,” he said.

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Oshoba stated that four bags were concealed inside the red Nissan Micra, while the remaining 158 bags were recovered from the container floor and in spaces between the vehicles.

The Customs official noted that no illicit substances were found in the black Toyota Corolla and the grey Toyota Corolla.

“The drugs were strategically packed to maximise concealment while using the vehicles as cover,” Oshoba added.

Oshoba said the seizure reflected the command’s vigilance and commitment to intercepting prohibited items, especially illicit drugs that threaten public health, safety, and national security.

He added that an investigation into the seizure was ongoing to unravel those behind the shipment and bring all persons involved to justice.