In a major crackdown on international drug trafficking, officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have intercepted 30.1 kilograms of cocaine concealed onboard a Marshall Islands–flagged vessel, MV Aruna, at Apapa Port, Lagos.
The seizure, comprising 30 slabs of cocaine, was made on Friday, January 2, 2026 the first working day of the new year at the Greenview Terminal, Apapa Port. The discovery highlights the increasingly sophisticated concealment methods employed by transnational drug syndicates seeking to exploit Nigeria’s busiest seaport.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, praised the vigilance and professionalism of officers involved in the operation, describing the interception as a strong opening statement for 2026. He noted that the success underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven enforcement and robust inter-agency collaboration.
“This seizure reflects the strength of synergy among government agencies and our unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s borders,” Comptroller Oshoba stated. “Criminal networks may continue to devise new tactics, but under my watch, no smuggling attempt whether through import, export, or transit cargo will go unchecked.”
In accordance with standard procedures, the seized narcotics have been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of suspects linked to the shipment.
The latest interception marks the third major drug bust by the joint NCS–NDLEA team in recent weeks. About two weeks ago, the agencies seized 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in five bags onboard another vessel following actionable intelligence. Earlier, on December 11, 2025, operatives uncovered 1,187 kilograms of “Canadian Loud,” a high-grade cannabis strain, packaged in 2,374 parcels across 55 bags and hidden inside imported vehicles in a 40-foot container.
Comptroller Oshoba reaffirmed that the Apapa Port Command remains resolute in facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining a zero-tolerance stance against illicit trafficking and threats to national security.
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