Apapa Port: Customs, NDLEA Intercept 347.5kg of Canadian Loud Hidden in Imported Vehicle
Kathy Kyari
An attempt to move a large consignment of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s busiest seaport has been thwarted following a coordinated operation by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Port Command, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which led to the interception of 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud concealed in an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Suleiman on Tuesday.
The seizure was recorded less than 24 hours after the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, was honoured with a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit, a development that officials say reflects the heightened vigilance currently in place at the port.
According to the statement, the prohibited substance, a potent strain of cannabis, was hidden in one of four vehicles shipped in a single import consignment. The drugs were packed in thirteen bags, with a detailed weighing confirming ten bags of 25 kilograms each, one bag of 29 kilograms, and two bags weighing 34.5 kilograms and 34 kilograms respectively, bringing the total seizure to 347.5 kilograms.
The interception represents the fourth major joint drug bust by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port within the last two months, underscoring Comptroller Oshoba’s firm position that no cargo, whether imported or meant for export, will be allowed to transit the port without thorough examination.
Reacting to the development, Comptroller Oshoba warned that criminal syndicates would find no safe passage through the port.
“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 operation further reflects the strengthened inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, which has prioritised intelligence sharing and joint enforcement actions between Customs and the NDLEA to counter smuggling networks within the maritime sector.
Comptroller Oshoba noted that the latest seizure was a direct outcome of this synergy, adding that the forthcoming deployment of a high-capacity drive-through scanner capable of inspecting 200 containers per hour would further boost technology-driven anti-smuggling operations at Apapa Port.
In line with established Standard Operating Procedures, the seized 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud has been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of suspects linked to the consignment. Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism, seamless cooperation and zero tolerance for illicit trade.
The interception also builds on the recent recognition accorded to Comptroller Oshoba and the 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 marking the International Customs Day celebrations in Nigeria.
Officials noted that the operation aligns with the 2026 International Customs Day theme, “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,” as the Apapa Port Command reaffirmed its dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to combat illicit activities and safeguard society.
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