The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted Cannabis Sativa and expired pharmaceutical products with a combined Duty Paid Value of N12.8 billion at Apapa Port, Lagos, in a major anti-smuggling operation.
Officers of the Apapa Area Command, working alongside the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), seized a 40-foot container loaded with Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as “Canadian Loud”.
The container, identified as CAAU7569127, was intercepted on June 15, 2026. Customs officials recovered 3,639 sachets of the illicit substance, each weighing 500 grammes, bringing the total weight to about 1,819 kilograms, or 1.81 tonnes.
The command said preliminary field tests confirmed the substance was Cannabis Sativa. The drugs were reportedly concealed inside a vehicle and hidden among bags and drums in the container.
In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two additional 40-foot containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products.
The agency said investigations revealed the medicines, which expired between 2021 and 2023, were allegedly intended to be relabelled and reintroduced into the Nigerian market despite posing significant health risks.
Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, said one container held expired Cidoxilin Capsules, Cynamine Vitamin B12 Injection and Becoline B-Complex Injection.
A second container contained expired Oxytocin Injection, Mexclor Eye Drops, Avomex Tablets, Carbamazepine Tablets, Silymarin Tablets, Nystatin Tablets and Hyoscine Butylbromide Tablets.
Oshoba said the seizures underscore the scale of attempted economic sabotage and highlight the Customs Service’s commitment to protecting public health, national security and the economy.
He noted that the intelligence-led operation prevented harmful and ineffective medications from reaching hospitals, pharmacies and households across the country.
The Customs chief added that the Apapa Area Command remains committed to using intelligence gathering, strategic profiling and stakeholder collaboration to combat smuggling and drug trafficking while facilitating legitimate trade.
He warned importers involved in smuggling, drug trafficking and the importation of expired pharmaceuticals to desist, stressing that Customs possesses the technology and capacity to identify and apprehend offenders.
Oshoba further declared that Apapa Port would not be allowed to serve as a route for economic sabotage or activities that endanger public health.
