The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has officially taken possession of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a highly potent strain of cannabis, intercepted at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos.
The Punch reported that the illicit shipment was formally handed over to the agency during a ceremony held at the port on Wednesday after operatives of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies jointly examined and intercepted two containers carrying the drugs.
According to a statement issued by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), represented by the Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, described the operation as a major breakthrough achieved through effective collaboration among security agencies.
“Through two major seizures recorded on June 15 and June 24, 2026, we send a clear and unequivocal message that we are more determined than ever to dismantle organised criminal syndicates and drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond our borders,” Marwa said.
He explained that the successful interceptions were the outcome of months of intelligence-led investigations carried out by the NDLEA’s Special Investigation Unit and Marine Intelligence Unit in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Marwa noted that the trafficking syndicates adopted sophisticated maritime routes in an attempt to avoid detection, but intelligence gathering and sustained surveillance enabled security operatives to monitor the shipments across several countries before intercepting them on arrival in Nigeria.
“It bears stating clearly how these consignments moved. The first container, CAAU 7569127, departed Toronto on 16th April 2026. In an apparent attempt to evade detection, it was moved by rail to Montreal before being loaded onto the vessel Ghallow Express*. It arrived at Tangier Med, Morocco, on 6th May 2026, where it was trans-shipped onto the Spartel Trader, which berthed at Tin Can Island Port on 27th May 2026.
“It was subsequently moved to the Global Bonded Terminal before being transferred by water to Apapa Port on 10th June 2026, where it was intercepted during a joint examination of the shipment between our men, our colleagues from the Customs Service and other security agencies,” he said.
Marwa further disclosed that the second container, identified as HAMU 3246311, departed Montreal on May 1 aboard the vessel Africa Express before being trans-shipped onto the Algeciras Express on May 15.
“It arrived at Tin Can Island Port and, following discharge on 4th June 2026, was moved to Apapa Port on 22nd June 2026, where it fell into the hands of our waiting officers,” he added.
The NDLEA boss stressed that the agency’s strategy extends beyond intercepting illicit drugs to dismantling the financial structures that sustain drug trafficking operations.
“We recognise that the staggering profits generated by illicit drug trafficking continue to fuel crimes against humanity and against our nation, despite the devastating toll they take on individuals, families and communities.
“As such, we remain resolute. Our work does not end with seizure. We are committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible, to confiscating their criminal assets, and to ensuring that they derive no benefit whatsoever from their illegal enterprise,” he said.
Marwa also commended officers of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies for their dedication and professionalism throughout the operation.
“I commend, in the strongest terms, the dedication, professionalism and courage of the officers and men of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and all sister security agencies who refused to look away and allow these dangerous substances to flood our communities.
“Your patriotism and unwavering commitment have once again proven that you are effective guardians of our maritime gateways.
“This success was made possible by the intelligence-sharing and operational synergy displayed by every participating agency. It is a powerful demonstration of what inter-agency collaboration, international cooperation and intelligence-driven operations can achieve in the fight against transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking,” he said.
