The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has formally taken custody of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, intercepted at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos.

The illicit consignment was officially handed over to the agency during a ceremony held at the port on Wednesday after it was intercepted during a joint examination of two containers by operatives of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), represented by the Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, described the seizure as a significant achievement made possible through effective collaboration among security agencies.

“Through two major seizures recorded on June 15 and June 24, 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 said.

He explained that the successful operation followed months of intelligence-led investigations coordinated by the NDLEA’s Special Investigation Unit and Marine Intelligence Unit in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to Marwa, the drug trafficking syndicates adopted complex international maritime routes in an attempt to avoid detection, but sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance enabled security operatives to monitor the consignments across several countries before they were eventually intercepted in Nigeria.

“It bears stating clearly how these consignments moved. The first container, CAAU 7569127, departed Toronto on 16th April 2026. In an apparent attempt to evade detection, it was moved by rail to Montreal before being loaded onto the vessel Ghallow Express. It arrived at Tangier Med, Morocco, on 6th May 2026, where it was trans-shipped onto the Spartel Trader, which berthed at Tin Can Island Port on 27th May 2026.

“It was subsequently moved to the Global Bonded Terminal before being transferred by water to Apapa Port on 10th June 2026, where it was intercepted during a joint examination of the shipment between our men, our colleagues from the Customs Service and other security agencies,” he said.

Marwa further disclosed that the second container, identified as HAMU 3246311, departed Montreal on May 1 aboard the vessel Africa Express before being trans-shipped to the Algeciras Express on May 15.

“It arrived at Tin Can Island Port and, following discharge on 4th June 2026, was moved to Apapa Port on 22nd June 2026, where it fell into the hands of our waiting officers,” he added.

The NDLEA Chairman stressed that the agency's efforts would not end with the seizure of illicit drugs, but would also focus on dismantling the financial networks behind drug trafficking operations.

“We recognise that the staggering profits generated by illicit drug trafficking continue to fuel crimes against humanity and against our nation, despite the devastating toll they take on individuals, families and communities.

“As such, we remain resolute. Our work does not end with seizure. We are committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible, to confiscating their criminal assets, and to ensuring that they derive no benefit whatsoever from their illegal enterprise,” he said.

Marwa also commended personnel of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies for their dedication and professionalism throughout the operation.

“I commend, in the strongest terms, the dedication, professionalism and courage of the officers and men of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and all sister security agencies who refused to look away and allow these dangerous substances to flood our communities.

“Your patriotism and unwavering commitment have once again proven that you are effective guardians of our maritime gateways.

“This success was made possible by the intelligence-sharing and operational synergy displayed by every participating agency. It is a powerful demonstration of what inter-agency collaboration, international cooperation and intelligence-driven operations can achieve in the fight against transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking,” he said.