The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Port Command, 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 an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle.
Disclosing the development, the Public Relations Officer, Apapa Port Command, CSC Isah Sulaiman, said the seizure followed a joint operation by officers of both agencies and was carried out barely 24 hours after the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, received a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit.
According to him, the illicit substance was hidden in thirteen bags inside one of four vehicles contained in a single import consignment. A detailed weighing showed that ten bags weighed 25kg each, one bag weighed 29kg, while two others weighed 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, bringing the total to 347.5kg.
This interception mark the fourth major joint drug seizure by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port in less than two months, reflecting the command’s intensified efforts to prevent the movement of prohibited items through the nation’s busiest seaport.
Reacting to the development, Comptroller Oshoba warned smugglers and criminal networks against using the port for illicit activities.
“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 said.
He attributed the success of the operation to effective inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, noted that intelligence sharing and joint operations have continued to strengthen border security.
The CAC further disclosed that the forthcoming deployment of a high-capacity drive-through scanner capable of handling 200 containers per hour would further enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling efforts at the port.
In line with established procedures, the seized 347.5kg of cannabis has been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of suspects linked to the consignment.
The latest seizure also builds on the recent recognition given 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 during activities marking International Customs Day.
The interception aligned with the 2026 International Customs Day theme, “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment.”
Reaffirming the command’s commitment, the CAC stated that Apapa Port would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while intensifying measures to combat smuggling and safeguard society.
