The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking with the interception of 1,187kg of Canadian Loud, a high-grade strain of cannabis, at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
The seizure comes barely five days after both agencies uncovered 25.5kg of cocaine on a Brazilian-flagged vessel, signalling what officials describe as a renewed, sustained crackdown on narcotics smuggling through Nigeria’s busiest port.
According to the Customs Public Relations Officer for the Apapa Command, CSC Isah Sulaiman, credible intelligence provided by the NDLEA prompted a joint examination of a 1x20ft container, marked FCIU 6369526, which was reportedly laden with two imported vehicles.
Hidden inside the vehicles were 55 bags containing a total of 2,374 sachets of cannabis, each weighing 500 grams. The illicit consignment, weighing 1,187kg, has been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.
Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, praised the “robust synergy” between both agencies, noting that collaboration remains their strongest weapon against transnational criminal networks.
“Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check,” Oshoba said. “Our synergy as government agencies will always put us ahead of criminal elements.”
He emphasized that despite the high volume of trade processed at the port, national security and economic stability remain top priorities.
“We will never sacrifice national security and the economy for any form of trade. While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle-eyed officers remain alert at all times,” he added.
The Comptroller issued a stern warning to importers, exporters, freight forwarders and licensed agents, especially during the Yuletide season, stressing that anyone attempting to circumvent the law will face serious consequences.
“Investigations are ongoing, and we shall bring the perpetrators to book,” he said.
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