Apapa Customs, NDLEA Intercept 1,187kg Of Canadian Loud Hidden In Imported Vehicles
Apapa Customs, NDLEA Intercept 1,187kg Of Canadian Loud Hidden In Imported Vehicles
By Frank Odinukaeze
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 made another major bust at the Apapa Port, seizing 1,187 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a high-grade strain of cannabis.
The illicit drugs—2,374 sachets packaged in 500-gram wraps—were concealed inside 55 bags hidden in a 20-foot container (No. FCIU 6369526) said to be laden with two imported vehicles. The joint operation followed credible intelligence provided by the NDLEA, leading both agencies to intercept and uncover the contraband during a coordinated examination.
According to officials, the drugs have since been handed over to the NDLEA for further action.
Speaking on the development, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Area Controller of the Apapa Command, commended the effective collaboration between both agencies, stressing that their synergy continues to frustrate attempts by drug syndicates to exploit the port.
“Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control without due checks,” Oshoba said. “Our synergy as government agencies will always put us ahead of criminal elements. No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security or the economy for any form of trade.”
He warned that anyone attempting to smuggle illicit goods through the port during the Yuletide season—or afterwards—will be met with the full weight of the law. “Let me warn, once again for the umpteenth time: any trader, importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve will face the full wrath of the law. Investigations are ongoing and we shall bring the perpetrators to book.”
The Customs Public Relations Officer, Apapa Command, CSC Isah Sulaiman, confirmed ongoing investigations and reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining stringent checks across port operations.
