The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Apapa has kicked off 2026 with a big win against drug traffickers. On Friday, January 2, officers, working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), seized 30.1 kilograms of cocaine hidden on a vessel flagged to the Marshall Islands.

The drugs were discovered aboard the MV Aruna at the Greenview Terminal in Apapa Port, Lagos. Authorities say the seizure shows how smugglers are using sophisticated methods to hide illegal shipments at the country’s busiest port.

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Apapa Customs Area Controller, praised the officers’ efforts, highlighting the teamwork between the Customs and NDLEA. He said the interception demonstrates a commitment to intelligence-led enforcement and a zero-tolerance approach to smuggling.

The NDLEA has taken the cocaine for further investigation and possible prosecution.

This is the third major drug bust by the joint NCS-NDLEA team in recent weeks. Two weeks ago, authorities seized 25.5kg of cocaine hidden in five bags on another vessel. In December 2025, they also intercepted 1,187kg of high-quality cannabis, known as “Canadian Loud,” concealed in imported vehicles.

Comptroller Oshoba emphasised that Apapa Port remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while protecting national security.