NDLEA takes custody of 6,778.5kg seized drug at Lagos port

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken custody of 6,778.5 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, intercepted at the Apapa Port in Lagos in what the agency described as one of the largest drug seizures in recent years. The illicit consignment was intercepted during a joint examination of two containers […]

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken custody of 6,778.5 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, intercepted at the Apapa Port in Lagos in what the agency described as one of the largest drug seizures in recent years.

The illicit consignment was intercepted during a joint examination of two containers by operatives of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other security agencies before it was formally handed over to the anti-narcotics agency on Wednesday at Apapa Port.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by NDLEA’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), represented by the Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, said the seizure underscored the growing effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration against transnational drug trafficking.

He said the seizure resulted from two major operations carried out on June 15 and June 24, 2026, adding that it sent a strong message to organised criminal syndicates operating within and outside Nigeria.

“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,” Marwa said.

According to him, the operation was the culmination of months of intelligence gathering led by the NDLEA’s Special Investigation Unit and Marine Intelligence Unit in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Nigeria Customs Service.

Marwa disclosed that the traffickers employed complex international maritime routes in an attempt to evade security agencies but were successfully tracked through coordinated intelligence and surveillance.

He explained that the first container, marked CAAU 7569127, departed Toronto on April 16, 2026, and was transported by rail to Montreal before being shipped through Morocco to Nigeria, eventually arriving at Apapa Port on June 10, where it was intercepted during a joint examination.

The second container, identified as HAMU 3246311, left Montreal on May 1 aboard the vessel Africa Express, was trans-shipped to another vessel before arriving at Tin Can Island Port and later moved to Apapa Port on June 22, where it was also intercepted by security operatives.

Marwa said the agency would not stop at seizing illicit drugs but would also target the financial networks behind the 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 commended officers of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies for their professionalism and dedication, describing the operation as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and international collaboration in combating transnational organised crime.

 

Marwa also acknowledged the support of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, saying the successful operation demonstrated the importance of global partnerships in disrupting international drug trafficking networks.