The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Port Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, concealed inside an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
The seizure, which marks the fourth major joint drug interception by both agencies at the port within two months, followed coordinated intelligence gathering and thorough cargo examination. The illicit substance was hidden in 13 bags within one of four vehicles contained in a single import consignment.
This was disclosed in a press statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman on 27th January , 2025.
A detailed weighing of the seized drugs revealed that ten bags weighed 25 kilograms each, while the remaining three bags weighed 29 kilograms, 34.5 kilograms and 34 kilograms respectively, bringing the total to 347.5 kilograms.
The interception came barely 24 hours after the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, received a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit in recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to border security.
Speaking on the development, Comptroller Oshoba reiterated the command’s resolve to prevent the movement of prohibited items through the nation’s ports.
He stated that any attempt by criminal elements to traffic prohibited items through Apapa Port would be detected and thwarted, adding that the command remains vigilant and resolute in the discharge of its duty to protect society and national security.
He further emphasized that no cargo, whether imported or exported, would be allowed to pass through the port without thorough examination, in line with the service’s standard operating procedures.
The operation also highlighted the growing synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA, in line with the vision of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to strengthen inter agency cooperation through intelligence sharing and joint operations.
Comptroller Oshoba noted that the seizure was a direct outcome of the strengthened partnership between both agencies. He added that the planned deployment of a high capacity drive through scanner capable of processing 200 containers per hour would further enhance technology driven anti smuggling efforts at the port.
In line with established procedures, the seized consignment has been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of suspects linked to the illegal shipment.
The development also builds on the recent recognition accorded to Comptroller Oshoba and the NDLEA Apapa Special Area Commander, Mohammed Tukur, who were awarded the WCO Certificate of Merit on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Abuja, during activities marking the International Customs Day celebrations.
The interception aligns with the 2026 International Customs Day (ICD) theme, Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment, reflecting the agencies’ renewed focus on safeguarding society from transnational crimes.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment, the Customs Area Controller stated that the Apapa Port Command would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to disrupt illicit activities and enhance national security.
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