Posted by Chinenye on Thu 10th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
A major haul has been uncovered at Apapa Port after Customs officers intercepted 12 containers packed with dangerous and restricted items.
(Lagos Port. Photo by Vanguard News)
The Nigeria Customs Service has seized contraband worth N43.59 billion at Apapa Port in Lagos, including d@ng-related substances, surveillance drones and expired pharmaceutical products.
The Comptroller-General of Customs said 12 containers were intercepted during intelligence-led operations.
The seizures contained approximately 7.6 tonnes of cannabis, over 169,000 bottles of codeine syrup, 108 high-definition drones and thousands of expired items including ketchup, antiseptic liquid, vaginal tablets and disposable nappies.
The service emphasized that its role goes beyond collecting revenue.
Under the 2023 Customs Act, the agency is responsible for protecting the nation's supply chain, securing borders and ensuring the safety of goods entering the country.
Officials noted that smugglers have become more sophisticated, hiding contraband inside legitimate shipments.
D@ngs are packed among vehicle parts, controlled pharmaceuticals are concealed beneath household goods and restricted equipment is declared as ordinary electronics.
The customs service has strengthened its capacity to detect smuggling by improving cargo profiling and risk assessment across ports.
The agency recently established an INTERPOL Data Centre at its headquarters, giving officers access to over 152 international databases.
The seized items will be handed over to relevant government agencies for investigation.
Officials said the public can continue legitimate business while customs works to keep prohibited goods from entering the country.