In a massive blow to transnational drug cartels, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken custody of 6.7 tons of ‘Canadian Loud.’ The high-grade cannabis strain was intercepted during a joint inspection by NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday, July 1, by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi. Speaking at the formal handover ceremony at the Apapa Port, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the seizure as a landmark moment for inter-agency synergy in Nigeria. Marwa was represented at the event by the Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia.
“Through two major seizures recorded on 15th and 24th June 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 stated.
This historic haul marks the climax of a painstaking, months-long intelligence operation. Spearheaded by the NDLEA’s Special Investigation Unit and Marine Intelligence Unit, the high-stakes crackdown relied on seamless collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Marwa revealed that the syndicates relied on intricate maritime routes to bypass security networks. Despite these evasion tactics, NDLEA intelligence officers tracked the shipments across several continents prior to their interception at the port.
The NDLEA boss emphasized that; “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.
“The second container, HAMU 3246311, departed Montreal on 1st May 2026 aboard the vessel Africa Express, before being trans-shipped onto the Algeciras Express on 15th May 2026 and arriving at Tin Can Island Port. Following discharge on 4th June 2026, it was moved to Apapa Port on 22nd June 2026, where it fell into the hands of our waiting officers.”
Issuing a stern warning, Marwa declared that the NDLEA will move beyond mere seizures to aggressively dismantle the financial structures of the syndicates, ensuring traffickers gain zero benefit from their illicit trade.
“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 stated.
Hailing the seamless cooperation between the leadership and personnel of both organizations, Marwa issued a powerful commendation:
“I commend, in the strongest terms, the dedication, professionalism, and courage of the officers 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 prove once again that you are the effective guardians of our maritime gateways.”
“This success was made possible by the intelligence-sharing and operational synergy displayed by every participating agency,” Marwa emphasized.
“It is a powerful demonstration of what inter-agency collaboration, international cooperation, and intelligence-driven operations can achieve in the fight against transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking.”
