NDLEA Takes Custody of 6,778.5kg of Canadian Loud Seized at Lagos Port

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken custody of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, intercepted at the Apapa Port in Lagos during a joint operation with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.

The illicit drugs were discovered in two containers following intelligence-led operations and joint examinations conducted on June 15 and June 24.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on Wednesday at Apapa Port, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), represented by the Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, described the seizure as a major victory against international drug trafficking.

Marwa said the operation underscored the growing effectiveness of collaboration between the NDLEA, Customs, other security agencies, and international partners, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

According to him, investigations revealed that the drug consignments originated from Canada and were routed through multiple countries in an attempt to evade detection before arriving in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the first container left Toronto on April 16, was transported by rail to Montreal, shipped through Morocco and eventually arrived at Apapa Port, where it was intercepted after weeks of surveillance.

The second container departed Montreal on May 1 and followed a separate shipping route before it was seized at Apapa Port on June 22.

Marwa said the agency would not stop at seizing illicit drugs but would also target the financial networks behind the trafficking operations.

“We are committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible, confiscating their criminal assets and ensuring they derive no benefit from their illegal activities,” he said.

He commended the professionalism and cooperation of NDLEA officers, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, saying the operation demonstrated the value of intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration in combating transnational organised crime.

The seizure is one of the largest cannabis interceptions recorded at Nigeria’s seaports in recent years and forms part of ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to disrupt international drug trafficking networks operating through the country’s maritime gateways.