The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has foiled an attempt to smuggle expired pharmaceutical products into the Nigerian market and has also intercepted approximately 1.8 tonnes of Cannabis sativa during separate intelligence-led operations.
The development was disclosed in a statement published on the official X account of the Nigeria Customs Service on Friday. The statement was issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman.
According to the statement, the seizures were made through coordinated operations involving the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant security and regulatory agencies. The operations were based on credible intelligence, enhanced risk assessment procedures, and strategic profiling systems.
Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers carrying expired pharmaceutical products allegedly destined for illegal re-labelling and redistribution within the country. The Command estimated the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized pharmaceuticals at N12,784,479,341.72.
The Command described the attempted importation as a serious threat to public health and an act of economic sabotage capable of endangering the lives of unsuspecting Nigerians.
In another major operation, officers seized a 40-foot container identified as CAAU7569127, which was found to contain a substantial quantity of Cannabis sativa, commonly known as “Canadian loud.”
Investigations revealed that the container concealed 3,639 sachets of the illicit substance, each weighing 500 grammes. The total quantity recovered was estimated at about 1,819 kilogrammes, equivalent to 1.81 tonnes.
Customs officials stated that the drugs were hidden inside a black Toyota Nissan vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, and several bags and drums packed within the container to evade detection.
Field tests conducted on the substance confirmed that it was Cannabis sativa.
Speaking on the seizures, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, warned individuals involved in smuggling and illicit trade to abandon such activities, stressing that those engaged in drug trafficking and the importation of expired medicines are working against Nigeria’s economic and social development.
He noted that the Command remains committed to protecting the nation’s borders and preventing dangerous products from entering the local market.
According to Oshoba, Apapa Port and all Customs-controlled facilities are under continuous surveillance, while enforcement activities are being driven by intelligence and technology to ensure efficiency without disrupting legitimate 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.
The Command reiterated its determination to strengthen collaboration with sister agencies in combating smuggling, drug trafficking, and other forms of economic crimes threatening national security and public safety.
