The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud (a potent strain of cannabis) concealed in 13 bags inside an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle.
The illicit substance was discovered in one of four vehicles contained in a single import consignment.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, CSC Isah Sulaiman, the seizure occurred barely 24 hours after the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, received a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit.
CSC Sulaiman highlighted the detailed weighing of the bags — ten bags weighing 25kg each, one bag weighing 29kg, and two bags weighing 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, bringing the total to 347.5kg.
“This marks the fourth significant joint drug interception by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port in under two (2) months, underscoring Comptroller Oshoba’s firm commitment that no cargo, whether import or export, will pass through the port without thorough examination,” the statement said.
Commenting on the seizure, 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.”
He stated that the operation highlights the exemplary inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“Through intelligence sharing and joint efforts, NCS and NDLEA officers have consistently outmaneuvered smuggling networks in Nigeria’s maritime sector,” the CAC noted, emphasising that the seizure is a direct outcome of the strengthened partnership between both agencies.
Comptroller Oshoba further assured that the upcoming deployment of a high-capacity 200-container-per-hour drive-through scanner would significantly enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations at the port.
He mentioned that both agencies’ Standard Operating Procedures continue to foster zero tolerance, unwavering professionalism, and seamless cooperation among officers, noting 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 the suspects involved.
He also affirmed that the interception aligns with the 2026 International Customs Day theme, “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,” while reiterating the Command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and intensifying efforts to disrupt illicit activities and safeguard society.
“This latest success 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 marking the International Customs Day celebrations in Nigeria,” the statement added.
