Barely five days after uncovering 25.5kg of cocaine on a Brazilian-flagged vessel, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have recorded another major interception at the Apapa Port this time seizing 1,187kg of Canadian Loud, a high-grade strain of cannabis.
Acting on credible intelligence from the NDLEA, both agencies uncovered 2,374 packages of the illicit drug concealed in 55 bags hidden inside a 1x20ft container (FCIU 6369526) carrying two vehicles. Each package was compressed into 500g sachets.
The discovery was made during a joint examination, after which the NDLEA took custody of the drugs for further investigation.
Speaking on the seizure, the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, praised the synergy between the NCS and NDLEA, reiterating that officers at the port remain on high alert.
He said the Command will not compromise national security for trade, regardless of cargo volumes being processed.
Oshoba, who noted that the festive season often attracted heightened smuggling attempts, warned that any trader, importer, exporter, freight forwarder or customs agent attempting to test the Command’s resolve would face the full weight of the law.
“Investigations are ongoing on this seizure, and we shall bring the perpetrators to book,” he stated.
The seizure mark yet another blow to drug trafficking networks attempting to exploit Nigeria’s busiest port corridor.
