Lagos, July 1, 2026, – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken custody of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis, intercepted in two containers at the Apapa Port, Lagos.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the seizure underscored the success of intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration in tackling transnational drug trafficking.
Marwa, represented by the Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, spoke on Wednesday during the formal handover of the seized drugs at Apapa Port.
He said the drugs were intercepted during joint examinations conducted by operatives of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other security agencies.
According to him, the seizures, recorded on June 15 and June 24, send a strong message that Nigeria remains committed to dismantling organised criminal syndicates and drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond its borders.
Marwa said the operation followed months of intelligence gathering by the NDLEA Special Investigation Unit and Marine Intelligence Unit, working in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the NCS.
He said investigations revealed that the drug consignments were routed through multiple countries in an attempt to evade law enforcement agencies.
“The first container departed Toronto on April 16, was moved by rail to Montreal and shipped through Morocco before arriving in Nigeria, where it was intercepted at Apapa Port.
“The second container departed Montreal on May 1, was trans-shipped through another vessel and eventually intercepted after arriving at Apapa Port,” he said.
Marwa said the agency would not stop at confiscating illicit drugs but would also identify, arrest and prosecute those behind the trafficking syndicates.
He added that the NDLEA would also trace and confiscate assets acquired through proceeds of the illegal trade.
“The staggering profits generated by illicit drug trafficking continue to fuel crimes against humanity and threaten our communities.
“Our work does not end with seizures. We are committed to ensuring those responsible face the full weight of the law and are deprived of the proceeds of their criminal enterprise,” he said.
Marwa commended the officers of the NDLEA, the NCS and other security agencies for their professionalism and commitment.
He said the successful operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and international collaboration in combating organised crime and illicit drug trafficking.
The NDLEA chairman expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among local and international partners would further strengthen Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking.
