The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has intercepted a large consignment of illegal drugs and expired pharmaceutical products at the Apapa Port in Lagos, in an operation valued at about N12.7 billion.
The seizure includes 1.81 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Canadian Loud, alongside multiple containers of expired medicines that were allegedly being prepared for illegal circulation within the Nigerian market.
The development was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Apapa Command, Isah Sulaiman. Officials said the operation was carried out jointly by Customs officers and NDLEA operatives stationed at the port.
While briefing journalists during the display of the intercepted goods, the Customs Area Controller for Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, explained that the success of the operation was made possible through credible intelligence and the use of advanced risk profiling and cargo monitoring systems.
According to him, officers intercepted a 40 foot container identified as CAAU7569127, which was found to contain a substantial quantity of the banned cannabis strain. He noted that Canadian Loud is a highly potent form of cannabis that is often smuggled due to its high value on the illegal market.
In another discovery, Customs operatives uncovered large volumes of expired drugs concealed within imported containers. Further inspection revealed that two additional 40 foot containers were filled with pharmaceutical products that had expired between 2021 and 2023.
Oshoba alleged that the importers intended to repackage and relabel the expired medications for distribution within Nigeria, a practice he described as dangerous and capable of posing serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
He disclosed that valuation experts estimated the total duty paid value of the seized items at N12.7 billion, warning that the Apapa Command would continue to intensify efforts to block the entry of prohibited goods through the port.
The Customs chief also commended the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for ongoing training and capacity building initiatives that have strengthened the efficiency of officers on duty.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the command to protecting public health, national security, and the economy by ensuring that harmful and illegal goods do not make their way into the country. He also praised the growing collaboration between Customs and the NDLEA, noting that it has significantly improved the detection and interception of contraband at the port.
According to him, modern scanning technology and improved cargo profiling systems played a key role in identifying the suspicious shipments that led to the seizures.
He further stated that investigations are ongoing to track down the importers, clearing agents, and other individuals connected to the consignment, with possible prosecution expected to follow.
The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated its zero tolerance stance on smuggling and urged importers to comply strictly with established import regulations to avoid sanctions.
