The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 1.81 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Canadian Loud, along with expired drugs valued at ₦12.7 billion.
The major seizure occurred at Apapa Port in Lagos on Monday, according to an official statement released by the command’s spokesman, Isah Sulaiman, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller (CAC) for Apapa Command, confirmed the interception and explained that the operation was executed through strong inter-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing.
Oshoba stated that the successful operation was carried out in close cooperation with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stationed at the port.
He credited the breakthrough to credible intelligence and the strategic deployment of advanced risk assessment tools by Customs officers at the command.
The CAC said that officers, working jointly with NDLEA, intercepted a 40ft container numbered CAAU7569127 containing a large consignment of illicit Cannabis Sativa.
Oshoba noted that the substance, popularly known as Canadian Loud, is a highly potent strain of marijuana illegally imported into Nigeria and valued at several billion naira on street markets.
He added that, alongside the cannabis, officers discovered large quantities of expired pharmaceutical products concealed in containers to evade detection.
In a related development, the command intercepted two 40ft containers loaded with expired pharmaceuticals. Physical examination revealed the drugs had expired in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Oshoba explained that the importers planned to relabel the expired pharmaceuticals and reintroduce them into the Nigerian market, posing serious health risks if circulated.
He stated that the combined duty-paid value of both the cannabis and the expired drugs was estimated at ₦12.7 billion by Customs valuation officers.
Oshoba warned importers and their collaborators that the Apapa Command remains vigilant and will continue to frustrate smuggling attempts through the port.
He commended the support of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi and his management for their ongoing training programs, which he said have yielded positive results.
Oshoba reaffirmed the command’s commitment to national security, public health, and economic protection by preventing harmful substances from entering Nigerian markets.
He praised the synergy between Customs and NDLEA, noting that joint operations have significantly improved detection of prohibited items at Apapa Port.
According to him, advanced scanning technology and profiling systems play a critical role in flagging suspicious containers for physical examination.
He added that investigations are ongoing to identify the importers, clearing agents, and other accomplices involved for prosecution under existing laws.
The NCS emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on smuggling and urged legitimate traders to comply with import regulations to avoid severe sanctions.
