By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has reinforced security at Apapa port following the interception of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio, during an intelligence-driven operation.This was disgusting in a press release on Saturday, 6 December 2025, by the Command’s public relations officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman. The command spokesperson noted that the illicit substance, discovered in 24 parcels packed into five bags, was detected during a detailed examination of the vessel and the ship was immediately detented by customs authorities.The Apapa Customs Area Command Comptroller, Emmanuel Oshoba, described the operation as a clear demonstration of effective security synergy between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The CAC pointed out that the vessel’s travel history indicated the vessel departed from Brazil and made a stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and other drug trafficking hubs, this raised red flags for customs intelligence units. He reiterated NCS unwavering commitment to enforcing the zero-compromise directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and reaffirmed that only legitimate trade will be allowed through Apapa Port.“This seizure and detention of the ship should send strong message of warning that should resonate in the camp of perpetrators of unlawful trade within our port system.
Customs is strengthening its synergy with all sister government agencies and no criminal or group of lawless persons can beat us here”.”As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security and economy on the altar of trade facilitation. All consignments exiting this port into our markets or warehouses must be duly examined with the contents ascertained to be what was declared”, he stated.The intercepted illicit drugs were officially handed over to the NDLEA Commander, of Apapa Strategic Command, Haliru Umar by the Nigeria Custom Service for further investigation and necessary action.
