NDLEA Takes Custody Of 6,778.5kg 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, seized during a joint operation at Apapa Port in Lagos.

The illicit consignment was intercepted after a coordinated examination of two containers by NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies in what officials described as a major setback for international drug trafficking networks.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Apapa Port on Wednesday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by the agency’s Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, said the operation reflected the growing strength of inter-agency collaboration.

“Through two major seizures recorded on 15th and 24th June 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,” Marwa said.

He disclosed that the seizures followed months of intelligence gathering led by the NDLEA Special Investigation Unit and Marine Intelligence Unit in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to him, the traffickers used complicated international shipping routes in an attempt to beat security checks, but NDLEA operatives tracked both containers across several continents before intercepting them in Lagos.

He said: “It bears stating clearly how these consignments moved. The first container, CAAU 7569127, departed Toronto on 16th April 2026. In an apparent attempt to evade detection, it was moved by rail to Montreal before being loaded onto the vessel Ghallow Express. It arrived at Tangier Med, Morocco, on 6th May 2026, where it was trans-shipped onto the Spartel Trader, which berthed at Tin Can Island Port on 27th May 2026.

“It was subsequently moved to the Global Bonded Terminal before being transferred by water to Apapa Port on 10th June 2026, where it was intercepted during a joint examination of the shipment between our men, our colleagues from the Customs Service and other security agencies.

“The second container, HAMU 3246311, departed Montreal on 1st May 2026 aboard the vessel Africa Express, before being trans-shipped onto the Algeciras Express on 15th May 2026 and arriving at Tin Can Island Port. Following discharge on 4th June 2026, it was moved to Apapa Port on 22nd June 2026, where it fell into the hands of our waiting officers.”

Marwa said the agency would go beyond seizing narcotics by targeting the finances of the criminal groups behind the shipments.

“We recognise that the staggering profits generated by illicit drug trafficking continue to fuel crimes against humanity and against our nation, despite the devastating toll they take on individuals, families and communities. As such, we remain resolute. Our work does not end with seizure. We are committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible, to confiscating their criminal assets, and to ensuring that they derive no benefit whatsoever from their illegal enterprise,” he said.

He also praised the officers of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies for their professionalism and commitment.

“I commend, in the strongest terms, the dedication, professionalism and courage of the officers and men of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and all sister security agencies who refused to look away and allow these dangerous substances to flood our communities. Your patriotism and unwavering commitment have once again proven that you are effective guardians of our maritime gateways,” Marwa added

“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.”