By Tunde Ojudun
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.
The illicit cargo was hidden in 13 bags within one of four vehicles in a single consignment. A detailed breakdown confirmed 10 bags weighing 25kg each, one bag at 29kg, one bag at 34.5kg, and another bag at 34kg, all totalling 347.5kg.
This operation came barely 24 hours after Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller (CAC), received a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit. It also marks the fourth major joint interception in less than two months, underscoring the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against illicit trafficking.
Comptroller Oshoba reaffirmed vigilance, warning: “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 seizure highlights the strengthened partnership between Customs and NDLEA, driven by intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. The upcoming deployment of a 200-container-per-hour drive-through scanner is expected to further enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling efforts.
In line with established protocols, the seized cannabis has been formally handed over to NDLEA for investigation and prosecution.
This success builds on recent recognition of Comptroller Oshoba and NDLEA Apapa Special Area Commander Mohammed Tukur, both recipients of the WCO Certificate of Merit during Nigeria’s International Customs Day 2026 celebrations.
The interception reflects the year’s ICD theme: “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,” reinforcing the Command’s dual mission of facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding national security.