NDLEA TAKES CUSTODY OF 6.8 TONNES OF CANADIAN LOUD SEIZED AT APAPA PORT
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has formally taken custody of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a highly potent strain of cannabis, intercepted at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos.
The illicit consignment was officially handed over to the agency during a ceremony held at the port on Wednesday following its interception during a joint examination of two containers by operatives of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other security agencies.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the seizure as a major breakthrough in the fight against transnational drug trafficking.
Represented by the Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, Marwa said the operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and collaboration among local and international security agencies.
“Through two major seizures recorded on June 15 and June 24, 2026, we send a clear and unequivocal message that we are more determined than ever to dismantle organised criminal syndicates and drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond our borders,” he said.
According to Marwa, the seizures were the outcome of months of intelligence-driven investigations coordinated by the NDLEA’s Special Investigation Unit and Marine Intelligence Unit in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Nigeria Customs Service.
He explained that the traffickers employed complex international shipping routes in an attempt to evade detection, but sustained surveillance enabled security operatives to track the consignments across multiple countries before intercepting them in Nigeria.
Marwa disclosed that the first container, identified as CAAU 7569127, departed Toronto, Canada, on April 16, 2026, and was transported by rail to Montreal before being shipped aboard the vessel Ghallow Express.
The container reportedly arrived at Tangier Med Port in Morocco on May 6, where it was trans-shipped onto another vessel, Spartel Trader, before arriving at Tin Can Island Port on May 27. It was later transferred through the Global Bonded Terminal to Apapa Port, where it was intercepted during a joint examination on June 10.
The NDLEA chairman also revealed that the second container, HAMU 3246311, left Montreal on May 1 aboard Africa Express before being trans-shipped onto Algeciras Express on May 15.
According to him, the shipment arrived at Tin Can Island Port and was subsequently moved to Apapa Port on June 22, where operatives intercepted it.
Marwa stressed that the agency’s efforts would not end with the seizure of illicit drugs but would extend to dismantling the financial networks behind drug trafficking operations.
“We remain resolute. Our work does not end with seizure. We are committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible, confiscating their criminal assets, and ensuring they derive no benefit whatsoever from their illegal enterprise,” he said.
He noted that proceeds from illicit drug trafficking continue to fuel organised crime and pose serious threats to individuals, families and communities.
The NDLEA boss also commended officers of the agency, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies for their professionalism, vigilance and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime gateways.
“This success was made possible by the intelligence-sharing and operational synergy displayed by every participating agency. It is a powerful demonstration of what inter-agency collaboration, international cooperation and intelligence-driven operations can achieve in the fight against transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking,” he added.
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