The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted cannabis sativa worth N26.5 billion concealed in imported vehicles at the Apapa Port in Lagos. The seizure, one of the largest in recent years, highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking through Nigeria's major ports.
Details of the Seizure
According to a statement by the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the illicit drugs were discovered during a routine examination of two imported vehicles. The vehicles, a Toyota Camry and a Honda Accord, were shipped from Canada and arrived at the port on July 10, 2026. Upon inspection, customs officers found 1,200 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing approximately 600 kilograms hidden in modified compartments within the vehicles.
Comptroller Olomu said, “Our officers, working on intelligence, conducted a thorough search and uncovered the drugs. The street value of the seized cannabis is estimated at N26.5 billion. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizure, and investigations are ongoing to unravel the syndicate behind this illegal operation.”
Modus Operandi
The smugglers used sophisticated concealment methods, including welding hidden compartments inside the vehicle chassis and spare tire wells. The drugs were wrapped in airtight packages to avoid detection by sniffer dogs and scanning machines. This method is increasingly common among drug traffickers seeking to exploit port vulnerabilities.
Customs officials noted that the intercepted vehicles were declared as used cars for personal use, a common declaration to avoid scrutiny. However, intelligence gathered by the NCS’s Joint Border Patrol Team led to the targeted inspection.
Impact on Security and Economy
The seizure represents a significant blow to drug cartels operating in the region. Cannabis trafficking fuels organized crime and poses public health risks. The NCS has intensified surveillance at all entry points, deploying advanced scanning technology and canine units to detect such concealments.
Comptroller Olomu reiterated the commitment of the NCS to curb illicit trade, stating, “We will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure that Nigeria’s ports are not used as transit points for illegal substances. This seizure sends a strong message to traffickers that they will face the full weight of the law.”
Legal Proceedings
The two suspects have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution. If convicted, they face severe penalties, including life imprisonment under the NDLEA Act. The vehicles and drugs remain in customs custody as evidence.
This operation underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating drug trafficking. The NCS and NDLEA have pledged to strengthen their partnership to dismantle trafficking networks.
