By Desire Emmanuel
Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, in synergy with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 30.1 kilogrammes of cocaine aboard a foreign vessel at the Apapa port.
The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Mr Emmanuel Oshoba, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Friday, January 2, through the Public Relations Officer, Apapa Port Command, Isah Sulaiman.
Oshoba disclosed that the vessel was intercepted on Friday, being the first working day in the New Year, at the Greenview Terminal, Apapa Lagos.
He said that the illicit drugs were found inside MV Aruna, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by smugglers seeking to exploit Nigeria’s busiest seaport.
The Customs Comptroller lauded officers of both agencies for their vigilance, professionalism and effective collaboration.
He described the interception as a product of intelligence-driven operations and strong inter-agency cooperation.
“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to intelligence-led enforcement and the synergy among Federal Government agencies.
“As the criminal networks continue to devise new tactics to outsmart law enforcement, our officers remain proactive and resolute.
“No smuggling attempt, whether through import, export, or transit cargo, will succeed under my watch.
“The seizure sends a strong signal at the start of 2026, reaffirming the command’s zero-tolerance stance against illicit trade.
“In accordance with established procedures, the seized cocaine has been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
“The latest interception represents the third major drug bust by the joint NCS–NDLEA team in recent weeks.
“About two weeks ago, the agencies seized 25.5 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in five bags aboard another vessel, following actionable intelligence,” he said
He added that similarly, on December 11, operatives intercepted 1,187 kg of “Canadian Loud,” a premium strain of cannabis, packaged in 2,374 parcels across 55 bags and concealed inside imported vehicles in a 40-foot container.
