By Chuka Madu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has intercepted
cannabis with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N26.57bn concealed inside a container
carrying imported used vehicles at Apapa Port in Lagos.
The seizure, carried out by the Apapa Area Command in a
joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), involved
4,143.5kg of Cannabis Indica hidden inside a 40-foot container. Customs said
the drugs were smuggled alongside three imported vehicles.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command's
Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman, the operation followed
intelligence reports that prompted the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller
Emmanuel Oshoba, to order a detailed examination of the container.
The inspection, carried out on 10 July, focused on a container
identified as FANU1933352. Officers reportedly uncovered 162 bags containing
8,287 parcels of Cannabis Indica, with each parcel weighing 500g.
Customs said the shipment also contained a red 2015 Nissan
Micra, a black 2019 Toyota Corolla S and a grey 2015 Toyota Corolla. Four bags
of cannabis were allegedly hidden inside the Nissan Micra, while the remaining
158 bags were concealed beneath the container floor and in spaces around the
vehicles. No illicit substances were found inside either of the two Toyota
Corolla cars.
Speaking on the interception, Comptroller Oshoba said the
operation reflected the Command's determination to stop prohibited goods from
entering Nigeria through the country's busiest seaport.
"This seizure once again demonstrates our untiring
commitment in ensuring that only lawful trade thrives in Apapa Port," he
said. He added that investigations into the attempted smuggling were continuing
and insisted the Command would not allow the port to become a gateway for goods
prohibited under Nigerian law.
Oshoba also said the operation was in line with the
zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale
Adeniyi, against smuggling and other forms of illegal trade.
He reassured businesses that comply with Customs regulations
that they would continue to benefit from trade facilitation measures introduced
by the Service. He also praised officers of the Apapa Command and NDLEA
personnel for their cooperation and professionalism during the operation.
The container has been seized under the provisions of the
Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, while Customs said further investigations are
under way to identify those behind the alleged smuggling attempt.
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