The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has intercepted expired pharmaceutical products allegedly meant for illegal circulation in Nigeria and seized 1.8 tonnes of Cannabis sativa in a coordinated intelligence-led operation with sister security agencies.
The seizure was disclosed in a statement published on the official Nigeria Customs Service X account and contained in a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman.
Mr Sulaiman said the operations were carried out through credible intelligence gathering, enhanced risk profiling systems, and collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other relevant regulatory agencies.
According to him, officers intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying expired pharmaceutical products allegedly intended for illegal relabelling and reintroduction into the Nigerian market.
“The combined Duty Paid Value of the intercepted expired pharmaceuticals is N12,784,479,341.72,” Mr Sulaiman stated, describing the importation attempt as a major act of economic sabotage and a serious threat to public health.
Major drug interception
In one of the operations, Customs officers seized a 40-foot container identified as CAAU7569127, which contained a large consignment of Cannabis sativa, commonly known as “Canadian loud.”
Mr Sulaiman disclosed that officers recovered 3,639 sachets of the substance, each weighing 500 grammes, bringing the total estimated weight to about 1,819 kilogrammes (1.81 tonnes).
Preliminary field examinations confirmed the substance as Cannabis sativa.
According to the Command, the illicit drugs were concealed inside a black Toyota Nissan vehicle, a Toyota Sienna vehicle, and further hidden in bags and drums loaded inside the container.
Customs issues warning
Reacting to the seizures, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, warned importers and criminal networks against engaging in smuggling and illegal importation.
“Unpatriotic importers and their collaborators who deliberately engage in smuggling, drug trafficking and the importation of expired pharmaceuticals are enemies of Nigeria’s progress,” Mr Oshoba said.
He added that the agency possesses the intelligence capabilities, technology and operational readiness to detect and stop illegal trade.
“We have the intelligence, the technology and the resolve to identify and apprehend them. Anyone still contemplating these criminal acts should desist immediately because the consequences will be swift, decisive and uncompromising,” he stated.
Mr Oshoba further assured stakeholders that Apapa Port and all Customs-controlled areas remain under continuous surveillance, stressing that enforcement actions would continue while ensuring lawful trade activities are not disrupted.
The latest operation highlights growing efforts by security and regulatory agencies to curb drug trafficking, protect public health, and strengthen border enforcement across Nigeria’s ports.
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