Customs And NDLEA Crack Down On Smuggling Ring, Confiscate 30.1kg Of Cocaine In Lagos

According to reports, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has dismantled an international drug trafficking network operating in Lagos. The joint operation led to the seizure of 30.1 kilograms of cocaine concealed aboard the MV Aruna, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, at Apapa Port.

The interception took place on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Greenview Terminal, marking the first working day of the new year. Authorities revealed that the cocaine was carefully hidden, highlighting the sophisticated methods employed by smugglers attempting to exploit Nigeria’s busiest seaport.

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Area Controller of Apapa Command, commended officers from both agencies for their vigilance and professionalism. He emphasized that the operation reflects the strong inter-agency collaboration between federal government entities and reinforces a commitment to intelligence-led enforcement. “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,” Oshoba stated.

The seized cocaine has been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and potential prosecution of those involved. The operation represents the third significant drug bust by the joint NCS-NDLEA team in recent weeks, following the interception of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine aboard another vessel and the seizure of 1,187 kilograms of premium cannabis hidden in imported vehicles in December 2025.

Oshoba reiterated that the Apapa Port Command remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding national security, describing the latest seizure as a bold statement for 2026 and a demonstration of the command’s zero-tolerance policy towards illicit trade.