In a bold show of enforcement, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced today that it intercepted 16 containers filled with contraband at the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa, valued at over ₦10 billion . The seized items span a disturbing mix—including hard drugs, firearms, ammunition, expired pharmaceuticals, counterfeit products, and even frozen poultry.
The operation, driven by intelligence and inter-agency collaboration with NDLEA and NAFDAC, was highlighted during a display at the APM Terminals Examination Bay. Among the most alarming finds were a 40-foot container (No. MRSU6407089) that had initially passed inspection but was later discovered to contain 101 kg of Colorado Loud (a Canadian strain of cannabis), two pump-action rifles accompanied by 25 cartridges, and a Smith & Wesson pistol with 55 rounds.
Also uncovered were seven containers hauling expired drugs, three containers stocked with expired margarine, and three housing prohibited used clothing. Additional seizures included: two containers bearing 1,290 sacks each of frozen poultry; one container filled with 305 cartons of counterfeit toothpaste cleverly concealed with beads and jalabiyas; two containers with expired chest and lung medications lacking NAFDAC approval; and two more holding codeine-based products linked to the same smuggling network.
As a result of the crackdown, five suspects were arrested—three of whom have been charged and remanded at Ikoyi Prison, while the remaining two are out on administrative bail pending trial.
