LAGOS, June 17, 2026 – The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered and seized 1.81 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as Canadian Loud, along with expired pharmaceutical products with a combined duty-paid value estimated at ₦12.7 billion.
The illicit consignments were intercepted at Apapa Port during enforcement operations carried out by Customs officers in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the operation was the result of effective intelligence gathering, information sharing, and the deployment of sophisticated risk assessment mechanisms.
According to him, officers acting on credible intelligence intercepted a 40-foot container marked CAAU7569127, which was found to contain a substantial quantity of the prohibited Cannabis Sativa concealed for illegal importation into the country.
Oshoba described Canadian Loud as a highly potent variety of marijuana with significant value in illicit drug markets, noting that its interception prevented the circulation of dangerous substances within the country.
He further disclosed that Customs operatives discovered large quantities of expired pharmaceutical products hidden in separate containers in an apparent attempt to evade regulatory scrutiny.
The controller revealed that two additional 40-foot containers carrying expired medicines were also seized. A detailed examination showed that the pharmaceutical products had expiration dates ranging from 2021 to 2023.
He explained that investigations suggested the importers intended to alter the labels on the expired drugs before reintroducing them into the local market, a move that could have posed serious health hazards to consumers.
Customs valuation officers placed the total duty-paid value of the seized narcotics and expired medicines at approximately ₦12.7 billion.
Oshoba warned smugglers and their associates that the command would continue to strengthen surveillance and enforcement measures to block the entry of prohibited items through the nation’s busiest seaport.
He also acknowledged the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, whose emphasis on capacity building and continuous training has enhanced the operational effectiveness of officers across the service.
Reaffirming the command’s dedication to safeguarding public health, national security, and the economy, Oshoba stressed that efforts would remain focused on preventing harmful and illegal products from reaching Nigerian communities.
He commended the growing cooperation between Customs and the NDLEA, noting that joint enforcement activities have improved the detection and interception of contraband shipments at the port.
The controller added that modern scanning equipment and cargo profiling systems were instrumental in identifying the suspicious containers, leading to their physical examination and eventual seizure.
He said investigations were ongoing to uncover the identities of those behind the illegal importation, including importers, clearing agents, and other collaborators, with a view to prosecuting offenders in line with existing laws.
Authorities maintained that strict enforcement of import regulations would continue as part of broader efforts to curb smuggling and promote legitimate trade across the country’s ports.