The Federal Road Safety Corps has officially assumed control of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, an extremely strong type of marijuana, which was seized at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos.
An illegal shipment was formally transferred to the NDLEA in a ceremony held at Apapa Port on Wednesday, after being discovered during a combined inspection of two containers conducted by agents from the NDLEA, the Nigerian Customs Service, and additional security organizations.
On Wednesday, a statement from the agency's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, indicated that the Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (ret.), was represented by the head of seaport operations at the agency, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, who referred to the confiscation as a significant success resulting from cooperation among different agencies.
"Following two significant operations conducted on June 15 and June 24, 2026, we convey a strong and unambiguous statement that our resolve to break down organized crime groups and drug smuggling rings inside and outside our territory has never been stronger," Marwa stated.
He revealed that the arrests came after several months of intelligence-driven operations conducted jointly by the NDLEA Special Investigation Unit and the Marine Intelligence Unit, along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Nigeria Customs Service.
As he stated, global drug cartels utilized intricate sea routes to avoid detection by authorities, yet continuous monitoring allowed agents to follow the shipments through various countries prior to their seizure in Nigeria.
It’s important to clarify the movement of these shipments. The initial container, CAAU 7569127, left Toronto on April 16, 2026. To avoid scrutiny, it was transported via train to Montreal prior to being placed aboard the ship Ghallow Express*. It reached Tangier Med, Morocco, on May 6, 2026, then transferred to the Spartel Trader, which docked at Tin Can Island Port on May 27, 2026.
"It was then relocated to the Global Bonded Terminal and later transported by water to Apapa Port on June 10, 2026, where it was discovered during a collaborative inspection of the cargo involving our team, our counterparts from the Customs Service, and other law enforcement bodies," he stated.
Marwa mentioned that the second container, labeled HAMU 3246311, departed Montreal on May 1 via the ship Africa Express and was later transferred to the Algeciras Express on May 15.
"It reached Tin Can Island Port and, after being unloaded on June 4, 2026, was transferred to Apapa Port on June 22, 2026, where it came under the control of our awaiting officials," he said.
The head of NDLEA emphasized that the organization will extend its efforts past seizing illegal drugs, focusing instead on disrupting the financial systems supporting drug trafficking activities.
We acknowledge that the enormous earnings from illegal drug trade still support atrocities against humanity and our country, even though these activities cause severe damage to people, their families, and society.
"Therefore, we stay determined. Our efforts do not conclude at seizing property. We are dedicated to locating, apprehending, and bringing to trial those involved, to taking away their illicit assets, and to making sure they gain absolutely nothing from their unlawful activities," he stated.
Marwa also commended the personnel from the NDLEA, the Nigerian Customs Service, and other security organizations for their expertise and dedication.
I strongly praise the commitment, expertise, and bravery of the personnel from the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service, and all related security organizations who did not turn their heads but instead worked diligently to prevent these harmful materials from overwhelming our neighborhoods.
Your loyalty and steadfast dedication have once more demonstrated that you serve as capable protectors of our seaports.
"This achievement was enabled by the information exchange and coordinated efforts shown by all involved agencies. It serves as a strong example of what joint agency work, global partnership, and data-focused operations can accomplish in combating cross-border organized crime and illegal drug trade," he stated.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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