In Apapa, Customs, NDLEA Intercept 347.5kg of Canadian Loud Hidden in 13 Bags.
By Felix Mordi
The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded another milestone achievement in the annals of illicit drug seizures, bringing to four of such classic impoundments with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in less than two months.
This is coming barely 24 hours after Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, received a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit, “underscoring Comptroller Oshoba’s firm commitment that no cargo, whether import or export, will pass through the port without thorough examination”, the command’s Public Relations Officer (CPRO), CSC Isah Sulaiman, stated.
The latest interception of 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud; a potent strain of cannabis, hidden inside an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle, was concealed inside 13 bags within one of four vehicles contained in a single import consignment.
A detailed weighing confirmed the breakdown as 10 bags of 25kg each, one weighing 29kg, and two at 34.5kg and 34kg, respectively, all totaling 347.5kg.
Reacting to the bust, Comptroller Oshoba warned that “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.”
According to the CPRO, “The operation highlights the exemplary inter-agency collaboration, championed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD. Through intelligence sharing and joint efforts, NCS and NDLEA officers have consistently outmaneuvered smuggling networks in Nigeria’s maritime sector.”
Comptroller Oshoba noted that the seizure was a direct outcome of the strengthened partnership between Nigeria Customs and NDLEA, emphasizing that the upcoming deployment of a high-capacity 200-container-per-hour drive-through scanner will further enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations of the command.
“Both agencies’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) continue to foster zero tolerance, unwavering professionalism and seamless cooperation among officers”, the command’s spokesman stressed, adding that, “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, Sulaiman said,” 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.”
Continuing, the statement emphasized that, the interception aligned with the 2026 ICD theme: “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment”, adding that the CAC reaffirmed the command’s dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to disrupt illicit activities and safeguard society.
