Customs Tightens Security After Cocàine Seizure at Apapa Port

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has enhanced security screening at the Apapa Port following the interception of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed on a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio.

The operation, driven by intelligence, led to the discovery of 24 parcels of cocaine packed in five bags during a thorough inspection of the ship, which was subsequently detained.

In a statement on Saturday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, acting on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, detailed the seizure.

Comptroller Oshoba attributed the success to improved collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He noted that the vessel’s itinerary—including stops in Brazil, Honduras, and Guatemala, known drug-trafficking routes—triggered heightened scrutiny from customs intelligence.

Reaffirming the Service’s zero-tolerance policy under Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi, Oshoba declared that only lawful cargo will be cleared through Apapa Port.

“This seizure and detention of the ship should send a strong warning to perpetrators of unlawful trade within our port system. Customs is strengthening its synergy with all sister agencies, and no criminal or group of lawless persons can beat us here,” he stated.

With the festive season approaching, the Command emphasized that national security and economic protection remain top priorities, and all export consignments will undergo strict verification.

The seized cocaine was formally handed over to NDLEA Apapa Strategic Command Commander Haliru Umar for further investigation and necessary action.