Another Breakthrough: Customs, NDLEA Again Intercept 1,187kg of Canadian Loud in Imported Vehicle at Apapa Port, Lagos
By Raheem Ibrahim
Barely five days after the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized a Brazilian ship with 25.5kg of cocaine, the two agencies have intercepted another consignment of Canadian Loud, an expensive strain of cannabis concealed inside an imported vehicle.
It was reliably gathered that, through credible intelligence provided by the NDLEA, both agencies uncovered a total of 2,374 packages of cannabis concealed in 55 bags hidden inside a 1×20 container with number FCIU 6369526, which was laden with two vehicles. The total weight of the illicit drug is 1,187kg.
The Customs Public Relations Officer, Apapa Port Command, CSC Isah Suleiman, who confirmed the breakthrough, revealed that both agencies, in the course of a joint examination, discovered the seizure, which has since been taken into the custody of the NDLEA. A breakdown of the drugs shows that they were packed in 500 grams per sachet.
Reacting to the seizure, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, commended the robust synergy between the NCS and NDLEA while reiterating the Service’s zero tolerance for smuggling.
He said, “A few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due checks. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements.
“No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and the economy for any form of trade. While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle-eyed officers are activated to be alert at all times,” he added.
Comptroller Oshoba reaffirmed, “Let me warn once again, for the umpteenth time, any trader, importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond will face the full wrath of the law.
“Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book,” he remarked.
