In their continued determination to win the war against the importation or exportation of illicit drugs in the country, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency impound 347.5kg of Canadian Loud concealed in 13 bags
By Edu Abade
In another major New Year joint operation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Port Command and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud; a potent strain of cannabis, carefully concealed in an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle.
Riding on credible intelligence, officers and men of the Command made the seizure barely 24 hours after Customs Area Controller (CAC) Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, received a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit.
The illicit substance was concealed in 13 bags in one of four vehicles contained in a single import consignment weighing 10 bags of 25kg each, one at 29kg, two at 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, all amounting to 347.5kg.
A statement made available to journalists by Public Relations Officer, Apapa Port Command, Isah Sulaiman, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, indicated that the seizures marked the fourth significant joint drug interception by the NCS and NDLEA at the Apapa Port within two months, which underscores Comptroller Oshoba’s firm resolve that no cargo (whether import or export) will pass through the Port without thorough examination.
Reacting to the seizure, Comptroller Oshoba cautioned that any attempt by criminal elements to traffic prohibited items through the Apapa Port will be detected and thwarted, adding, “We remain vigilant and resolute in the discharge of our duty to protect our society and national security.
“The operation highlights the exemplary inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Through intelligence sharing and joint efforts, officers of the NCS and NDLEA have consistently outmaneuvered smuggling networks in Nigeria’s maritime sector.”
Comptroller Oshoba noted that the seizure was a direct outcome of the strengthened partnership between the NCS and NDLEA, stressing that the upcoming deployment of a high-capacity 200-container-per-hour drive-through scanner, will further enhance the Command’s technology-driven, anti-smuggling operations.
The statement maintained that both agencies’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) continue to foster zero tolerance, unwavering professionalism and seamless cooperation among officers and 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.
“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 commemorating the International Customs Day celebrations in Nigeria.
“This interception aligns with the 2026 ICD theme: Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment. As such, the CAC reaffirms the Command’s dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to disrupt illicit activities and safeguard society,” the statement reads.
