How Customs, NDLEA Smashed Drug Smuggling Ring, Intercepted 347.5kg Canadian Loud In Apapa Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has busted a suspected international drug trafficking ring accused of smuggling Canadian loud and other prohibited items into Nigeria through the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa.

Findings revealed that 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud; a potent strain of cannabis,  hidden inside an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle was intercepted though the joint efforts.

A detailed weighing of the seized confirmed the breakdown as 10 bags at 25kg each, One at 29kg, and Two at 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, totaling 347.5kg.

The illicit substance was concealed by the traffickers in 13 bags within one of four vehicles contained in a single import consignment.

The seizure was made barely 24 hours after the Customs Area Controller, Emmanuel Oshoba, received a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit. 

The interception marks the fourth significant joint drug seizure by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port under two months, underscoring Comptroller Oshoba’s firm commitment that no cargo whether import or export will pass through the port without thorough examination.

According to Oshoba: “Any attempt by criminal elements to traffic prohibited items through Apapa Port will be detected and thwarted. We remain vigilant and resolute in the discharge of our duty to protect our society and national security.”

The operation , Osoba said, highlights the exemplary inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

“Through intelligence sharing and joint efforts, NCS and NDLEA officers have consistently outmaneuvered smuggling networks in Nigeria’s maritime sector,” Osoba said.

He noted that the seizure is a direct outcome of this strengthened partnership and emphasised that the upcoming deployment of a high-capacity 200-container-per-hour drive-through scanner will further enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations. 

Both the NCS and NDLEA’s  Standard Operating Procedures continue to foster zero tolerance, unwavering professionalism and seamless cooperation among officers.

In line with established protocols, the seized 347.5kg of Canadian Loud has been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of associated suspects.

This latest success builds on the recognition accorded to Comptroller Oshoba and NDLEA Apapa Special Area Commander Mohammed Tukur, who were both awarded the WCO Certificate of Merit on Monday, 26 January 2026, in Abuja as part of activities commemorating the International Customs Day celebrations in Nigeria. 

This interception, Osoba said, ” aligns with the 2026 ICD theme: “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment.”

The Area Controller reaffirms the Command’s dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to disrupt illicit activities and safeguard society.