Customs intercepts N12.7bn expired drugs, 1.8 tonnes of cannabis in Lagos
Nigeria Customs Service Seizes Expired Pharmaceuticals and Cannabis in Lagos Operations
LAGOS – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, reported significant interceptions of illegal goods in Lagos, including expired pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦12.7 billion and approximately 1.8 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Indian hemp.
In a statement released by Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the NCS credited these successful operations to intelligence-led efforts in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other regulatory bodies.
“Credible intelligence and enhanced risk profiling systems were key to these seizures,” Sulaiman stated. He emphasized that the operations were meticulously planned and executed with the assistance of relevant partner agencies.
One notable seizure involved the interception of a 40-foot shipping container, number CAAU7569127, which was filled with Cannabis Sativa, also referred to as “Canadian Loud.” Inside the container, officers recovered 3,639 sachets of the drug, each weighing 500 grams, totaling approximately 1.81 tonnes.
Preliminary field tests confirmed the substance as Cannabis Sativa. The drugs were concealed within a black Nissan vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, as well as bags and drums inside the container.
In a separate operation, customs officers intercepted two additional 40-foot containers filled with expired pharmaceuticals, which were allegedly intended for illegal relabeling and reintroduction into the Nigerian market. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these expired products was calculated at ₦12,784,479,341.72. The NCS classified the attempted importation as both economic sabotage and a serious threat to public health.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba issued a stern warning to those involved in smuggling activities. “Unpatriotic importers and their collaborators who engage in smuggling, drug trafficking, and the importation of expired pharmaceuticals are enemies of Nigeria’s progress,” he said.
Oshoba assured that customs operations at Apapa Port and other monitored areas would remain focused and intelligence-driven, while also ensuring that legitimate trade activities are not disrupted. He cautioned those contemplating engagement in criminal acts to cease immediately, as consequences would be swift.
