The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in a robust collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has successfully intercepted a significant consignment of cocaine aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, MV Aruna, at the Greenview Terminal within Apapa Port, Lagos.

This joint operation, conducted on Friday, January 2, 2026 – marking the first working day of the New Year – resulted in the seizure of 30.1 kilograms of cocaine. The illicit substance was meticulously concealed on board the ship, underscoring the sophisticated and evolving tactics employed by smugglers attempting to exploit Nigeria’s busiest seaport.

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Customs Area Controller for Apapa Command, confirmed the seizure and lauded the vigilance and professionalism of officers from both agencies. He emphasized that "This achievement reflects the strong inter-agency synergy between federal government entities and our commitment to intelligence-led enforcement." Oshoba further stated, "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."

Describing the interception as a bold statement for 2026, Comptroller Oshoba reaffirmed the command’s unwavering zero-tolerance policy towards illicit trade and drug trafficking, positioning it as a major boost in the nation’s fight against such criminal activities.

In adherence to established protocols, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has taken immediate possession of the seized cocaine to facilitate further investigation and ensure the potential prosecution of all individuals involved.

This recent bust marks the third significant drug interception carried out by the joint NCS-NDLEA team in recent weeks, underscoring a heightened period of successful enforcement. Barely two weeks prior, the agencies, acting on intelligence, seized another 25.5 kilograms of cocaine found hidden in five bags aboard a different vessel. Furthermore, on December 11, 2025, an even larger haul was made: 1,187 kilograms of "Canadian Loud," a highly premium and expensive strain of cannabis. This extensive consignment was cleverly packaged in 2,374 parcels across 55 bags and meticulously concealed within imported vehicles inside a 1x40ft container.

The Area Controller reiterated the Apapa Port Command’s steadfast commitment to its dual mandate of facilitating legitimate trade while vigorously safeguarding national security from all forms of illicit activities.