Nigerian Customs intercepts N26.5 billion worth cannabis in Lagos
The Nigerian Customs Service has intercepted Cannabis indica of 4,143.5 kilograms, worth N26.5 billion concealed inside imported vehicles in a 40ft container at the Apapa port.
The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Emmanuel Oshoba on Tuesday, 14th of July, revealed that the seizure was made during a routine examination carried out on the container at the Customs Enforcement Unit, in collaboration with the NDLEA personnel.
He went further, stating that the 40ft container with number FANU1933352 underwent examination thoroughly on July 10 and was discovered to contain three vehicles including a 2015 red Nissan Micra, a 2019 black Toyota Corolla and a 2015 Grey Toyota Corolla with 162 bags that contained 8,287 parcels of Cannabis indica of 500 grams each.
The Red Nissan Micra is revealed to have had four bags concealed in it, with the remaining 158 bags recovered from the floor of the container and the space in between the vehicles.
Oshoba made it clear that no illicit substances were found in the other vehicles, highlighting that the seizure is in line with the Nigeria Custom Service Act of 2023 and extant laws. Noting that the action aligns with the zero-tolerance directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, he praised the Area Command’s vigilance and commitment to intercepting prohibited items, especially illicit drugs.
He also took the opportunity to assure law-abiding traders and stakeholders
“Let me use this opportunity to rebuild the confidence of our compliant traders and assure them once again that they would always enjoy the many trade facilitation incentives available,” he assured.
“As we intensify investigation into the matter, I want to reiterate that this command has made the port a no go area for any thing forbidden by our laws.”
