Apapa Premier Port Command, NDLEA Intercept 30.1Kg of Cocaine on Marshall Island-Flagged Vessel at Apapa port.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Apapa Premier Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA have intercepted 30 slabs of cocaine weighing 30.1 kilograms concealed onboard the MV Aruna, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel.

The seizure took place on the first working day (January 2,2026) of the new year at the Greenview Terminal within Apapa Premier Port, Lagos. The illicit drug was carefully hidden aboard the vessel, underscoring the sophisticated tactics employed by smugglers attempting to exploit the nation busiest seaport.

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller, Apapa Premier Port Command, commended the officers from both agencies for their vigilance and professionalism. *This achievement reflects the strong inter-agency synergy between federal government agencies and our commitment to intelligence-led enforcement,” he stated.

“While criminal elements seek to outsmart us, our officers remain resolute and one step ahead, ensuring no smuggling attempt, whether disguised as import, export, or transit cargo, succeed under my watch,” he added.

Oshoba described the seizure as a bold statement for 2026, reaffirming the command’s zero tolerance policy towards illicit trade. In line with established protocols, the NDLEA has taken possession of the seized drug for further investigation and potential prosecution of those involved.

This latest bust marks the third major interceptions by the joint NCS-NDLEA team in recent weeks. Barely two weeks ago, the agencies seized 25kg of cocaine hidden in five bags aboard another vessel based on intelligence.

Additionally, on 11 December 2025, 1.187kg of “Canadian Loud”, a premium and highly expensive strain of Cannabis, packaged in 2,374 parcels across 55 bags and concealed within imported vehicles in a 1x40ft container.

The Area Controller reiterated that the Apapa Premier Port Command remains steadfast in its mandate to facilitate legitimate trade while safeguarding national security.