The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio, in what authorities have described as a major intelligence-led operation.
The illicit substance, neatly packaged in 24 parcels and concealed inside five bags, was uncovered during a targeted search conducted by Customs officers. The discovery has led to the detention of the vessel, pending further investigation.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller, applauded the successful operation, noting that the breakthrough was made possible by the strengthened collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to him, intelligence revealed that after departing Brazil, the vessel made stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and other locations notorious for narcotics trafficking, prompting heightened scrutiny upon arrival in Lagos.
Comptroller Oshoba reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to safeguarding the port from illicit activities, stressing that the operation aligns with the zero-tolerance directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
Handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA at a brief ceremony, Oshoba confirmed that the vessel remains in custody.
“What you are seeing today is the result of detailed profiling and intelligence-driven operations by both the NCS and NDLEA,” he said. “This seizure—and the detention of the ship—sends a clear warning to criminal networks attempting to exploit our ports. No syndicate can outsmart the collaborative strength of our security agencies.”
He added that with the Yuletide approaching, the Command will prioritize national security over trade facilitation.
“Every consignment leaving Apapa Port must be thoroughly examined and must match its declaration. We will not compromise,” he asserted.
The NDLEA team, led by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command, received the consignment on behalf of the agency.
