Customs, NDLEA Intercept Tonnes Of Drugs Concealed In Imported Vehicles At Apapa Port

Less than a week after intercepting a Brazilian-flagged vessel laden with cocaine, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has again recorded a major drug seizure of 2,374 packages of Canadian Loud concealed inside imported vehicles at the Lagos Port.

In a statement issued over the weekend, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, revealed that the illicit substance, hidden in 55 bags, was discovered inside a 1x20ft container with number FCIU 6369526, which had two vehicles loaded within.

He disclosed that the seized cannabis weighed 1,187kg, noting that each sachet was packed in 500 grams. Sulaiman attributed the successful interception to credible intelligence and seamless inter-agency cooperation.

“Barely five days after uncovering 25.5kg of cocaine in a Brazilian-flagged vessel, the NCS and NDLEA have again intercepted Canadian Loud, an expensive strain of cannabis, concealed inside imported vehicles,” he said.

“Following intelligence provided by the NDLEA, both agencies uncovered 2,374 packages of cannabis concealed in 55 bags hidden inside a 1x20ft container laden with two vehicles. The total weight of the illicit drug is 1,187kg. The seizure has since been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.”

Sulaiman added that the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, commended the strong operational synergy between both agencies, reiterating the Service’s zero tolerance for smuggling and drug trafficking.

According to him, Comptroller Oshoba had earlier vowed that no illicit consignment would be allowed to exit the port under his watch.

“Few days ago, the CAC made it clear that no consignment will leave the port without thorough checks. Our synergy as government agencies will continue to put us ahead of criminal elements. Regardless of the volume of trade we process, we will never compromise national security,” he said.

“While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle-eyed officers remain fully alert. Let me warn again: any trader, importer, exporter, freight forwarder, or licensed customs agent, who attempts to test our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond will face the full wrath of the law.”

The Customs PRO further noted that investigations into the latest seizure have commenced, with assurances from Comptroller Oshoba that all perpetrators involved will be identified and prosecuted.