Five days after jointly intercepting 25.5kg of cocaine on a Brazilian vessel, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have made another major bust, seizing more than a tonne of Canadian Loud concealed in imported vehicles at the Apapa Port.
The operation, triggered by intelligence supplied by the NDLEA, led to the discovery of 2,374 parcels of the high-grade cannabis strain, packed in 500-gramme sachets and hidden in 55 bags inside a 1×20ft container (FCIU 6369526) carrying two vehicles.
During a joint examination, officers of both agencies uncovered the illicit consignment, which has since been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Area Controller of the Apapa Command, said the seizure reflects the deepening collaboration between Customs and the NDLEA, and the determination to disrupt criminal networks attempting to exploit the port.
“Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements,” he said.
Oshoba reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enforcement, stressing that trade volume would not override national security priorities.
“No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and economy for any form of trade. While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle-eyed officers remain alert at all times.”
He also issued a stern warning to port users ahead of the festive season: “Any trader, importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond will face the full wrath of the law. Investigations are ongoing and we shall bring the perpetrators to book.”
