The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, hidden inside an imported Toyota Sienna.
The command announced this in a statement on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, a Chief Superintendent of Customs, obtained by PUNCH Online.
According to the statement, the seizure occurred barely 24 hours after the Customs Area Comptroller in charge of the command, Emmanuel Oshoba, received a World Customs Organisation Certificate of Merit.
“The illicit substance was concealed in 13 bags within one of four vehicles contained in a single import consignment. A detailed weighing confirmed the breakdown as 10 bags at 25kg each, one at 29kg, and two at 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, totalling 347.5kg,” the statement partly read.
The statement stressed that the interception marks the fourth significant joint drug interception by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port in two months, underscoring Comptroller Oshoba’s firm commitment that no cargo, either import or export, will pass through the port without thorough examination.
Reacting to the feat, 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,” the CAC added.
He added that the operation highlights the exemplary inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, through intelligence sharing and joint efforts.
Oshoba highlighted that the NCS and NDLEA officers have consistently outmanoeuvred smuggling networks in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Oshoba noted that the seizure is a direct outcome of this strengthened partnership, emphasising that the upcoming deployment of a high-capacity 200-container-per-hour drive-through scanner will further enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations.
“Both agencies’ Standard Operating Procedures continue to foster zero tolerance, unwavering professionalism, and seamless cooperation among officers,” Oshoba highlighted.
He pointed out 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.
According to him, the latest success builds on the recognition accorded to him and NDLEA Apapa Special Area Commander Mohammed Tukur, who were both awarded the WCO Certificate of Merit in Abuja as part of activities commemorating the International Customs Day celebrations in Nigeria.
He added that the interception aligns with the 2026 ICD theme, “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment.”
The CAC reaffirmed the command’s dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to disrupt illicit activities and safeguard society.
PUNCH Online reports that the Apapa Area Command is a key operational unit of the Nigeria Customs Service located at the Apapa seaport in Lagos, Nigeria’s busiest and most commercially significant seaport. It oversees customs functions for imports, exports, and transit cargo moving through this major maritime gateway.
