ANOTHER ONSLOUGHT BY APAPA CUSTOMS AND NDLEA ON 347.5KG ILLICIT DRUGS CONCEALMENT IN 13 BAGS

By Okey Iroegbu 

The synergy between other security operatives with the Nigeria Customs Service more especially the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is paying off seriously. In what should be termed a major joint operation recently, the Apapa Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),  and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud; a potent strain of cannabis,  hidden inside an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle. According to the report reaching this media through the Command's Public Relations Officer,

Chief Superintendent of Customs CSC Isah Sulaiman, the seizure occurred some hours after the good news of the Customs Area Controller  (CAC) of Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, receiving of a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit. The illicit substance was concealed in Thirteen (13) bags within one of four vehicles contained in a single import consignment. Each of the Ten bags were confirmed to weigh 25kg, One at 29kg, and Two at 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, totaling 347.5kg. It could be noticed

that this marks the fourth significant joint drug interception by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port within the last two months, underscoring Comptroller Oshoba’s firm commitment that no cargo whether import or export will pass through the port without thorough examination. “Any attempt by criminal elements to traffic prohibited items through Apapa Port will be detected and thwarted. We remain vigilant and resolute in the discharge of our duty to protect our society and national security,” Comptroller Oshoba warns The report further confirms that the operation highlights the exemplary inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD. The intelligence sharing and joint efforts of the Customs and NDLEA officers have consistently outmaneuvered smuggling networks in Nigeria’s maritime sector. With the intended high

capacity 200-container-per-hour scanning at the command which will further enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations, the CAC is very sure that smuggling through the command would be defeated. He also saw  strengthened partnership and emphasized that the upcoming deployment of this high-capacity scanning

would be the answer to curtail concealments.  The report also confirmed that the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA  Standard Operating Procedures continue to foster zero tolerance, unwavering professionalism and seamless cooperation among officers. In line with established protocols, the seized 347.5kg of Canadian Loud has been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of associated suspects. It could be noted that this latest success builds on the recognition accorded to Comptroller

Oshoba and NDLEA Apapa Special Area Commander Mohammed Tukur, who were both awarded the WCO Certificate of Merit on Monday, 26 January 2026, in Abuja as part of activities commemorating the International Customs Day celebrations in Nigeria. As a warning to critical stakeholders, Comptroller Oshoba reaffirms the Command's dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to disrupt illicit activities and safeguard society. This interception aligns with the 2026 ICD theme: “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment.”