The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken custody of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud seized at the Apapa Port in Lagos after a joint operation with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.
The NDLEA received the seized cannabis strain during a formal handover ceremony at Apapa Port on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), was represented by the Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia.
Marwa described the seizure as a major success for inter-agency cooperation in Nigeria’s fight against international drug trafficking networks.
“Through two major seizures recorded on 15th and 24th June 2026, we send a clear and unequivocal message that we are more determined than ever to dismantle organised criminal syndicates and drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond our borders,” Marwa stated.
However, the NDLEA said the seizures followed months of intelligence-led operations by its Special Investigation Unit and Marine Intelligence Unit, working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Nigeria Customs Service.
The agency said traffickers used complex maritime routes to move the consignments. However, NDLEA surveillance officers tracked the shipments across several locations before intercepting them at Lagos ports.
The first container, CAAU 7569127, left Toronto on 16th April 2026 and moved by rail to Montreal before it was loaded onto the vessel Ghallow Express. It arrived at Tangier Med, Morocco, on 6th May 2026 before it was transferred to the Spartel Trader, which arrived at Tin Can Island Port on 27th May 2026.
According to the agency, the container was moved to the Global Bonded Terminal and later transferred by water to Apapa Port on 10th June 2026, where NDLEA officers, Customs officials and other security agencies intercepted it.
It added that the second container, HAMU 3246311, left Montreal on 1st May 2026 aboard the vessel Africa Express before it was moved onto the Algeciras Express on 15th May 2026. It arrived at Tin Can Island Port and was later moved to Apapa Port on 22nd June 2026, where NDLEA officers seized it.
Marwa said the agency will not stop at seizures but will also target the financial systems that support drug trafficking operations.
He said the NDLEA will identify, arrest and prosecute those behind the illegal trade while confiscating criminal assets linked to the syndicates.
Marwa praised officers of the NDLEA, Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies for their commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime entry points.
He said the operation showed the impact of intelligence sharing, international cooperation and strong collaboration among security agencies in tackling transnational organised crime.
