Nigeria Customs Service intercepted 1.81 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, known as Canadian Loud, and expired pharmaceuticals valued at ₦12.7 billion at Apapa Port in Lagos. The seizure occurred on Monday, June 15, 2026, during an operation conducted with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for Apapa Command, confirmed the interception at a press briefing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, where the consignment was displayed. One 40ft container, numbered CAAU7569127, carried the illicit cannabis, while two additional 40ft containers held the expired drugs.
Oshoba stated that the cannabis was a highly potent strain illegally imported for distribution on Nigerian street markets. The expired pharmaceuticals, which bore expiry dates of 2021, 2022, and 2023, were concealed to avoid detection. Authorities believe the importers intended to relabel and reintroduce the expired drugs into the market, posing serious health risks to consumers. The combined duty-paid value of both seizures was assessed at ₦12.7 billion by Customs valuation officers.
The operation relied on actionable intelligence and advanced risk assessment tools deployed by Customs officers. Oshoba credited the success to inter-agency collaboration with NDLEA and commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for ongoing training programs that have improved detection rates. Investigations are ongoing to identify the importers, clearing agents, and accomplices for prosecution under Nigerian law. The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on smuggling and urged legitimate traders to comply with import regulations.
Emmanuel Oshoba says expired drugs from 2021 to 2023 were meant to be relabelled and sold to Nigerians, yet the same ports still admit questionable pharmaceuticals daily. The ₦12.7 billion seizure exposes how easily dangerous goods move through Apapa when profit drives the supply chain. If relabelled expired drugs reach the public, patients using them have no way of knowing they are consuming hazardous substances. Oshoba's praise for training programs rings hollow while the system keeps allowing life-threatening consignments to arrive.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
