NDLEA Busts N10.3bn Canadian Loud Haul at Apapa, Foils Cyprus-Bound Skunk Smuggling
In what is now one of the biggest drug seizures at the nation’s premier port this year, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 8,287 nylon bags of “Canadian Loud” with an estimated street value of over N10.3 billion at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos.
The massive consignment weighing 4,143.5 kilograms was concealed in a shipping container imported from Canada. It was uncovered on Friday, July 10, during a joint examination by the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies.
Weeks of Intelligence Pays Off
According to NDLEA, the bust was not accidental. Operatives of the Agency’s Maritime Intelligence Unit had been tracking and monitoring the container since it departed Montreal, Canada, in close collaboration with the Apapa Strategic Command.
“The shipment was flagged weeks ago. Our officers kept their eyes on it until it berthed in Apapa,” a senior NDLEA source said. The painstaking surveillance culminated in the physical examination that revealed the drugs neatly packed in nylon bags and hidden among other goods.
Officials say “Canadian Loud” is a high-potency strain of cannabis popular among traffickers because of its strong demand and high street value in Nigeria.
Another Bust: 2.5kg Skunk Heading to Cyprus
In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, also foiled an attempt to export 2.5kg of skunk concealed inside a gas compressor.
The consignment was intercepted at a courier company in Lagos. It was allegedly being shipped to Cyprus through the international courier system.
The Agency said the suspect behind the export attempt has been arrested and is helping with further investigation.
NDLEA Speaks
The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers involved for their vigilance and professionalism. He reiterated the Agency’s commitment to blocking both import and export channels being used by drug cartels.
“This seizure shows that no matter how far traffickers think they can go, we are ahead of them. We will continue to use intelligence, technology, and inter-agency collaboration to dismantle these networks,” Marwa stated.
The seized drugs have been marked for prosecution and destruction in line with NDLEA procedures.
Why this Matters
With a street value of over N10.3 billion, the Apapa seizure is a major blow to transnational drug syndicates targeting Nigeria. Security analysts note that the successful interception also highlights improved intelligence sharing between NDLEA, Customs, and other port agencies.
