Apapa Customs Intercepts 1.8 Tonnes of Cannabis, Seizes Expired Drugs Worth ₦12.8bn
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted 1.8 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa and thwarted an attempt to distribute expired pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦12.78 billion into the Nigerian market.
The seizures were made during a series of intelligence-driven operations conducted in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other regulatory and security agencies.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Isah Sulaiman, the operations were based on credible intelligence, enhanced risk assessment measures and coordinated surveillance activities aimed at combating smuggling and protecting public health.
One of the major interceptions involved a 40-foot container with registration number CAAU7569127, which was found to contain a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa, commonly referred to as “Canadian Loud.”
Customs officials disclosed that 3,639 sachets of the illicit substance were recovered from the container. Each sachet weighed approximately 500 grams, bringing the total weight of the seizure to about 1,819 kilograms, equivalent to 1.81 tonnes.
Preliminary field tests confirmed the substance as Cannabis Sativa.
Investigations revealed that the drugs were carefully concealed inside a Toyota vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, as well as within bags and drums loaded into the container in an apparent attempt to evade detection by security agencies.
Read Also:
In a separate operation, the Command intercepted two 40-foot containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products allegedly intended for illegal relabelling and reintroduction into the country’s supply chain.
The Command stated that the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized pharmaceuticals was estimated at ₦12,784,479,341.72.
Customs authorities described the attempted importation of the expired drugs as a serious threat to public health and an act of economic sabotage capable of endangering the lives of unsuspecting consumers.
Speaking on the seizures, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, warned individuals and syndicates involved in smuggling, drug trafficking and the importation of prohibited goods to desist from such activities.
He said the Service remained committed to deploying intelligence, technology and strategic partnerships to identify, intercept and prosecute offenders.
According to him, those engaged in criminal importation activities should expect swift and decisive enforcement actions, as the Service has strengthened its surveillance and operational capabilities across ports and other Customs-controlled areas.
Oshoba further assured legitimate importers and business operators that enforcement activities would continue to be intelligence-driven and targeted, ensuring that lawful trade and economic activities are not disrupted.
The latest seizures underscore ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service and its partner agencies to curb drug trafficking, prevent the circulation of substandard and expired products, and safeguard public health and national security.
By PRNigeria
