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

The illicit shipment was handed over to the agency during a ceremony held at Apapa Port on Wednesday after it was intercepted during a joint inspection 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 spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), represented by the Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, described the operation as a significant achievement made possible through effective collaboration among security agencies.

Marwa said the seizures, carried out on June 15 and June 24, 2026, demonstrate the agency’s renewed determination to dismantle organised criminal groups and drug trafficking networks operating within and outside Nigeria.

According to him, the successful operation was the result of several months of intelligence-driven 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.

He explained that the traffickers relied on complicated international shipping routes in an attempt to avoid detection. However, continuous surveillance enabled security operatives to monitor the consignments across different continents before intercepting them in Nigeria.

Providing details of the first shipment, Marwa said the container, identified as CAAU 7569127, departed Toronto on April 16, 2026. It was transported by rail to Montreal before being loaded onto the vessel Ghallow Express. The shipment arrived at Tangier Med, Morocco, on May 6, where it was transferred to Spartel Trader, which later berthed at Tin Can Island Port on May 27, 2026.

He said the container was subsequently moved to the Global Bonded Terminal before being transported by water to Apapa Port on June 10, where it was intercepted during a joint examination involving the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies.

Marwa further disclosed that the second container, bearing the identification number HAMU 3246311, departed Montreal on May 1 aboard Africa Express before being trans-shipped onto Algeciras Express on May 15.

According to him, the container arrived at Tin Can Island Port and, after being discharged on June 4, was transferred to Apapa Port on June 22, where operatives intercepted it.

The NDLEA chairman reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to not only seizing illicit drugs but also tracking down those responsible and dismantling the financial networks supporting drug trafficking.

He noted that the enormous profits generated from the illegal drug trade continue to finance serious crimes despite the devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Marwa stressed that the agency remains committed to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those behind such operations, while also confiscating assets acquired through criminal activities to ensure they gain nothing from their illegal enterprise.

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

According to him, their commitment prevented the dangerous substances from entering communities and once again demonstrated their effectiveness in protecting Nigeria’s maritime gateways.

Marwa added that the successful interception highlights the importance of intelligence sharing, international cooperation, and strong collaboration among security agencies in tackling transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking.