By
Arinze Izik
ABUJA — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has taken custody of 6,778.5 kilograms of “Canadian Loud”, a high-grade strain of cannabis, recently intercepted in Lagos.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the formal handover ceremony in Lagos, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, described the seizure as a landmark achievement for inter-agency collaboration in Nigeria. He was represented by the Agency’s Director of Seaport Operations, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia.
Marwa said the consignment was intercepted during a joint examination of two containers by NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and other security agencies at the Apapa Seaport.
“Through two major seizures recorded on June 15 and 16, we sent a clear 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.
According to him, the seizures followed months of intelligence-led operations led by the NDLEA Special Investigation Unit and the Marine Intelligence Unit, in close coordination with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMP, and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Marwa explained that the syndicates used complex maritime routes to evade detection, but NDLEA surveillance officers tracked the shipments across multiple continents before intercepting them.
He detailed the movement of the consignments:
Container CAAU 7569127: Departed Toronto on April 16, moved by rail to Montreal, and loaded onto the Ghallov Express. It arrived at Tangier Med, Morocco, on May 6, was trans-shipped onto the Spartel Trader, berthed at Tin Can Island Port on May 27, moved to the Global Bonded Terminal, and transferred by water to Apapa Port on June 10, where it was intercepted during a joint inspection.
Container HAMU 3246311: Departed Montreal on May 1 aboard the Africa Express, trans-shipped onto the Algeciras Express on May 15, and arrived at Tin Can Island Port. It was discharged on June 4 and moved to Apapa Port on June 22, where NDLEA officers seized it.
The NDLEA chairman said the agency would go beyond seizures by targeting the financial networks of traffickers to ensure they do not profit from illicit trade.
“We recognize that the huge profits from illicit drug trafficking fuel crimes against humanity and our nation, despite the devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities,” he said.
“As such, our work does not end with seizure. We are committed to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those responsible, confiscating their criminal assets, and ensuring they gain no benefit from their illegal activities.”
Marwa commended the dedication of NDLEA, NCS, and other security personnel, describing the operation as proof of what inter-agency and international cooperation can achieve against transnational organised crime and drug trafficking.
