Customs Seizes 25.5kg of Cocaine from Brazilian Vessel at Apapa Port

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a shipment of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed on a Brazilian vessel docked at the Apapa Port in Lagos, underscoring ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and enhance port security. The seizure was part of routine intelligence-led operations by the Customs anti-narcotics unit, which has intensified inspections of high-risk shipments following international alerts and monitoring of maritime routes known for illicit drug movements.

According to officials, the cocaine was hidden among legitimate cargo on the vessel, demonstrating the sophisticated concealment methods often employed by traffickers attempting to bypass port security measures. The discovery followed meticulous screening, including the use of scanners, physical inspections, and coordinated intelligence-sharing with international partners. Customs authorities emphasized that such operations are aimed at disrupting the networks responsible for supplying illegal substances to Nigeria and, by extension, West Africa.

The intercepted shipment highlights the strategic importance of Apapa Port, one of Nigeria’s busiest maritime hubs, in the enforcement of national and international drug control regulations. Officials noted that the port’s significant volume of imports and exports makes it a potential target for traffickers seeking to exploit gaps in monitoring. In response, Customs has strengthened patrols, inspection routines, and collaboration with relevant security agencies to prevent illicit substances from entering the country.

A spokesperson for the Nigeria Customs Service stated that the seizure was part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking and illegal imports. “We remain committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and ports, ensuring that illicit substances do not find their way into the Nigerian market,” the official said. The authorities confirmed that the cocaine has been secured and would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.

Security experts believe that the interception of the Brazilian shipment sends a strong signal to international drug cartels operating in the region. They noted that the Customs’ increased vigilance, coupled with intelligence-sharing with global agencies, is making it increasingly difficult for traffickers to move narcotics undetected through Nigerian ports. The successful seizure is also expected to reinforce deterrence, reduce the availability of cocaine on local streets, and curb related criminal activities.

Analysts noted that the seizure forms part of a broader national strategy to combat transnational organized crime, which includes human trafficking, smuggling, and the illegal importation of controlled substances. The Customs Service has consistently emphasized the importance of proactive measures, including the use of technology, capacity building for personnel, and collaboration with international partners, to strengthen enforcement and prevent the exploitation of the country’s ports.

While the operation marks a significant success, authorities acknowledge that traffickers continually adapt their methods, requiring sustained vigilance. The Customs has reiterated its commitment to ongoing training, intelligence gathering, and technological upgrades to detect and intercept concealed drugs effectively. This includes scanning equipment, surveillance systems, and analytical tools designed to identify high-risk cargo and suspicious patterns.

Community stakeholders and trade operators have been encouraged to support these efforts by complying with regulatory requirements and reporting suspicious activities. Customs officials highlighted that public cooperation plays a critical role in enhancing the effectiveness of port security and preventing the infiltration of illegal substances.

The interception of the 25.5 kilograms of cocaine represents a crucial achievement for Nigerian security agencies, reinforcing their capacity to disrupt criminal networks and secure the nation’s maritime gateways. It also underscores the importance of continued vigilance, intelligence-led operations, and cross-border collaboration in combating drug trafficking in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

 

The authorities confirmed that investigations into the source, intended destination, and parties involved in the trafficking attempt are ongoing. Further arrests and prosecutions are expected as part of efforts to dismantle the networks behind the shipment. Customs officials affirmed that this seizure demonstrates Nigeria’s growing capability to intercept high-value narcotics and to enforce national and international drug control laws effectively.