Apapa Customs, NDLEA Foil Smuggling of 347.5kg ‘Canadian Loud’ Concealed in Imported Vehicle
In a major breakthrough against transnational drug trafficking, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Port Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted a total of 347.5 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud, a highly potent strain of cannabis, concealed within an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle at the Apapa seaport in Lagos.
The seizure was made during a joint examination of a single import consignment comprising four vehicles, barely 24 hours after the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, was honoured with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit.
Upon inspection, officers discovered that the illicit drugs had been carefully hidden inside thirteen bags stashed within one of the vehicles, in what authorities described as a calculated attempt to evade detection.
A detailed weighing exercise conducted by operatives revealed that the consignment consisted of ten bags weighing 25kg each, one bag weighing 29kg, and two additional bags weighing 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, bringing the total haul to 347.5kg. The interception represents one of the largest cannabis-related seizures recorded at the Apapa Port in recent months.
The latest operation marks the fourth major joint drug interception by the NCS and NDLEA at the Apapa Port within a period of less than two months. Officials say this trend underscores the command’s renewed operational vigilance and the uncompromising stance of Comptroller Oshoba, who has repeatedly affirmed that no cargo, whether imported or exported, will be allowed to transit the port without thorough and professional examination.
Reacting to the development, Comptroller Oshoba issued a strong warning to smugglers and criminal syndicates, stressing that Apapa Port is no longer a safe corridor for trafficking prohibited substances.
He maintained that any attempt to undermine national security through the importation of illicit items would be promptly detected and neutralised, adding that the command remains resolute in protecting society from the harmful effects of drugs and other contraband.
The successful interception further highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration being championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD.
Through enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated profiling and joint enforcement actions, Customs and NDLEA officers have continued to dismantle sophisticated smuggling networks operating within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
Comptroller Oshoba attributed the seizure directly to this strengthened partnership, noting that operational efficiency would be further boosted with the imminent deployment of a high-capacity drive-through scanner capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour.
According to him, the technology-driven initiative will significantly enhance cargo examination, improve trade facilitation and close existing loopholes exploited by smugglers.
In line with established Standard Operating Procedures and the zero-tolerance policy of both agencies, the seized 347.5kg of Canadian Loud has been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of individuals connected with the attempted smuggling.
The interception also adds to the growing list of achievements that earned Comptroller Oshoba and the NDLEA Apapa Special Area Commander, Mohammed Tukur, the WCO Certificate of Merit. Both officers were recognised on Monday, 26 January 2026, in Abuja during activities marking the International Customs Day celebrations in Nigeria.
Officials noted that the operation aligns squarely with the 2026 International Customs Day theme, “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,” reflecting the resolve of Customs and its partner agencies to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding the nation.
Reaffirming the command’s mandate, the Customs Area Controller reiterated Apapa Port Command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to disrupt illicit activities, protect public health and uphold national security.
