Customs, NDLEA intercept 1,187kg ‘Canadian Loud’

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have seized 1,187kg of Canadian Loud hidden inside an imported vehicle at the Apapa ports.

The latest interception, according to a statement by the commands Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Suleiman, followed credible intelligence from the NDLEA, prompting a joint examination of a 1x20ft container (FCIU 6369526) carrying two vehicles. Inside the container, officers uncovered 2,374 packages of cannabis packed into 55 bags, each sachet weighing 500 grams.

He noted that the illicit consignment has since been handed over to the NDLEA for further action.

Customs confirmed that the drugs were meticulously concealed to evade detection, but sustained inter-agency collaboration ensured the cargo did not slip through the port. The seizure, Suleiman said, reinforces the agencies’ growing success in shutting down narcotics trafficking attempts through Nigeria’s busiest maritime gateway.

Apapa Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, praised the strengthened collaboration, stressing that security will not be compromised despite rising cargo volumes during the festive season.

According to him, “Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements.”

He emphasised that port trade will never be allowed to override national interest, noting that revenue collection and security enforcement must operate hand-in-hand.

“No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and economy for any form of trade. While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle-eyed officers are activated to be alert at all times,” he said.

Oshoba also issued a stern warning to importers, exporters, freight forwarders and customs brokers attempting to exploit the Yuletide rush.

“Let me warn, once again for the umpteenth time, any trader—importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent, that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond, will face the full wrath of the law. Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book,” he declared.

The seizure underscores the increasing vigilance within Nigeria’s maritime domain, where joint intelligence, coordinated inspections and tighter risk-management systems are shutting down sophisticated concealment methods.

Customs reaffirmed that enforcement operations will remain heightened throughout the season, as the command intensifies its push to secure the nation’s premier port from drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

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