CUSTOMS, NDLEA SEIZE 1,187KG OF CANADIAN LOUD CONCEALED IN IMPORTED VEHICLES AT APAPA PORT

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 2,374 packages of Canadian loud cannabis weighing a total of 1,187kg at the Apapa Port in Lagos.

The illicit drugs were concealed inside 55 bags hidden within two imported vehicles loaded in a 20-foot container with registration number FCIU 6369526.

The seizure was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Command, Suleiman Isah, who said officers made the discovery during a joint examination based on credible intelligence. The drugs have since been handed over to the NDLEA for further action.

This latest interception comes just five days after both agencies uncovered 25.5kg of cocaine aboard a Brazilian-flagged vessel.

“Following credible intelligence, the NCS and the NDLEA uncovered a total of 2,374 packages of Canadian loud concealed in 55 bags hidden inside a 20ft container… The total weight of the illicit drug is 1,187kg,” the statement read, noting that the cannabis was packaged in 500-gram sachets.

Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, praised the strengthened collaboration between the two agencies, saying it had positioned them ahead of criminal networks.

“A few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements,” Oshoba said.

He reaffirmed the Service’s zero tolerance for smuggling and warned traders, importers, exporters, freight forwarders and licensed customs agents against any attempt to undermine port security.

“Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book,” he added.

The Apapa Area Command, located within Nigeria’s busiest seaport, remains the country’s most strategic hub for import and export operations.