The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have recorded another major drug interception at the Apapa Port, barely five days after both agencies uncovered 25.5kg of cocaine aboard a Brazilian-flagged vessel.
In the latest operation, officers of the two agencies seized a total of 1,187kg of Canadian Loud, a high-grade strain of cannabis, concealed inside an imported vehicle. The discovery followed credible intelligence provided by the NDLEA.
According to officials, 2,374 packages of the illicit drug were found hidden in 55 bags stuffed inside a 1x20ft container with number FCIU 6369526, which carried two imported vehicles. Each sachet of the drug was packed in 500-gram portions.
The joint examination carried out by Customs and NDLEA officers led to the uncovering of the consignment, which has since been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.
Controller Emmanuel Oshoba, Area Controller of Apapa Command, described the seizure as another testament to the sustained cooperation between the two agencies and reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking and all forms of smuggling.
“Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due checks. Our synergy as government agencies continues to put us ahead of criminal elements,” he said.
“No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security or the economy for any form of trade. While we remain focused on collecting maximum revenue for the government, our officers are fully alert and vigilant.”
He issued a fresh warning to stakeholders operating within the port ecosystem as the festive season approaches: “Any importer, exporter, freight forwarder, or licensed customs agent who attempts to undermine our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond will face the full wrath of the law. Investigations into this seizure are ongoing, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.”
The Apapa Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Suleiman, confirmed that further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
