In a major joint operation, 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 vehicle at Apapa Port, Lagos.

The seizure occurred barely 24 hours after the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, was honoured with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit, a development that further highlights the Command’s intensified vigilance and enforcement drive.

The illicit drugs were concealed in 13 bags hidden inside one of four vehicles imported under a single consignment. A detailed examination and weighing revealed 10 bags weighing 25kg each, one bag of 29kg, and two bags weighing 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, bringing the total seizure to 347.5kg.

This interception represents the fourth major joint drug bust recorded by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port in less than two months, reinforcing Comptroller Oshoba’s resolve that no import or export cargo will pass through the port without thorough examination.

Reacting to the development, Comptroller Oshoba warned that Apapa Port would remain impenetrable to smugglers and criminal syndicates.

“We remain vigilant and resolute in the discharge of our duty to protect society and national security. This operation underscores the strength of inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Through intelligence sharing and joint operations, Customs and NDLEA officers continue to outmaneuver smuggling networks in Nigeria’s maritime corridor,” he said.

He noted that the seizure was a direct outcome of the strengthened partnership between both agencies and disclosed that the forthcoming deployment of a high-capacity drive-through scanner with the ability to scan 200 containers per hour would significantly enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations at the port.

Comptroller Oshoba emphasized that the Standard Operating Procedures of both agencies promote zero tolerance, professionalism, and seamless cooperation. In line with established protocols, the seized 347.5kg of Canadian Loud has been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of those involved.

The latest success builds on the recent recognition accorded to Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba and NDLEA Apapa Special Area Commander, Mohammed Tukur, who both received the WCO Certificate of Merit on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Abuja, during activities marking the International Customs Day (ICD) celebrations in Nigeria.

The interception aligns with the 2026 ICD theme, “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,” as the Apapa Port Command reaffirms its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to disrupt illicit activities and safeguard the nation.