Large consignment of cocaine intercepted at Lagos port

Saturday, January 3, 2026 - The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, working in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has intercepted a vessel conveying a large consignment of cocaine at the Apapa Port in Lagos.

The command described the seizure as a major boost to Nigeria’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking. The vessel, MV Aruna, which flies the Marshall Islands flag, was intercepted following coordinated intelligence and operational efforts by both agencies.

The joint operation led to the seizure of 30.1 kilograms of cocaine, which was carefully concealed on board the ship, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by drug traffickers attempting to exploit the country’s busiest seaport.

The interception took place on Friday, January 2, the first working day of the New Year, at the Greenview Terminal within Apapa Port.

Confirming the development, Emmanuel Oshoba, the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, commended officers of both the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA for their vigilance and professionalism.

“This achievement reflects the strong inter-agency synergy between federal government entities and our commitment to intelligence-led enforcement,” Oshoba said.

“While criminal elements seek to outsmart us, our officers remain one step ahead, ensuring no smuggling attempt, whether disguised as import, export, or transit cargo, succeeds under my watch,” he added.

Oshoba described the interception as a firm statement of intent for 2026, reaffirming the command’s zero-tolerance stance against illicit trade.

In line with established procedures, the NDLEA has taken custody of the seized cocaine for further investigation and possible prosecution of those involved.

The latest seizure represents the third major drug interception by the joint NCS–NDLEA team in recent weeks. About two weeks earlier, the agencies seized 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in five bags aboard another vessel following intelligence-led operations.

Additionally, on December 11, 2025, a total of 1,187 kilograms of “Canadian Loud”, a high-grade strain of cannabis, packed in 2,374 parcels across 55 bags and hidden inside imported vehicles in a 40-foot container, was also intercepted at the port.

The Customs Area Controller reiterated that the Apapa Command remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding national security.