Customs officers at Apapa Command handing over the packs of seized Cocaine to NDLEA officers recently
…CAC Oshoba Cites Inter-agency Synergy as Key to Intelligence
Further to intensified inter-agency intelligence powered by the new administration of Compt. Emmanuel Oshoba at the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), eagle-eyed officers have intercepted 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio, leading to the detention of the ship and the transfer of the illicit substance to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The drug consignment, packaged in 24 parcels and concealed in five bags, was discovered during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by customs officers. The interception forms part of ongoing collaborative efforts between the NCS and NDLEA to curb drug trafficking through Nigeria’s seaports.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, described the breakthrough as a direct result of enhanced inter-agency synergy. He explained that intelligence reports indicated the vessel, which originated from Brazil, made stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and other ports identified as drug-trafficking hotspots before arriving in Nigeria.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to uncompromised enforcement, Oshoba noted that the action aligns with the zero-tolerance directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
“What we have achieved today is the outcome of profiling and intelligence-led operations by both the NCS and NDLEA,” he said. “This seizure—and the detention of the vessel—should send a clear warning to those engaged in unlawful trade within our port system. No criminal network can outsmart the combined efforts of security agencies at Apapa Port.”
He added that as the Yuletide season approaches, the Command will intensify its scrutiny of cargo movements, insisting that all consignments must undergo thorough examination to ensure their contents align with declared items.
During a brief handover ceremony at the port, the NDLEA, represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command, formally received the confiscated cocaine for further investigation and action.
