The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has uncovered a suspected international drug trafficking operation at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa.
During the joint operation, 347.5 kilograms of “Canadian Loud,” a highly potent strain of cannabis, were seized. The drugs were concealed in an imported Toyota Sienna.
They were contained in 13 bags transported in one of four vehicles in a single shipment. Precise weighing confirmed that the seized drugs consisted of ten 25-kilogram bags, one 29-kilogram bag, and two others weighing 34.5 kilograms and 34 kilograms, respectively.
This seizure was made possible through the cooperation of customs officers and NDLEA agents and came less than 24 hours after the head of the customs zone at the Lagos port complex, Emmanuel Oshoba, received an award from the World Customs Organization (WCO).
This seizure marks the fourth major drug interception jointly conducted by Nigerian Customs (NCS) and the Nigerian Defence and Export Control Agency (NDLEA) at the Port of Apapa in the past two months. It underscores the authorities’ commitment to combating the smuggling of illegal goods through the country’s seaports.
Customs Chief Oshoba stated that the agency will continue to thoroughly inspect all import and export goods and warned that any attempt to smuggle illegal substances through the Port of Apapa will be detected and thwarted.
He described the operation as evidence of enhanced cooperation between the agencies, emphasizing that the sharing of information and coordinated actions have repeatedly led to the dismantling of smuggling networks in Nigerian maritime trade.
Oshoba added that the planned deployment of a high-performance cargo scanner capable of inspecting up to 200 containers per hour will further enhance technology-based anti-smuggling measures at the port.
In accordance with standard procedures, the 347.5 kg of seized Canadian marijuana were handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of those involved in the shipment.
Customs reaffirmed its commitment to promoting legal trade while simultaneously strengthening its efforts to combat smuggling and protect public safety.
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