Customs, NDLEA Seize N12.8bn Cannabis Shipment

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), successfully intercepted a 40-foot container on Monday, which was found to be carrying a large consignment of cannabis sativa, commonly known as Canadian loud, along with expired pharmaceutical products. The operation led to the recovery of 3,639 sachets of the illicit substance, weighing approximately 1,819 kilograms.

The total combined duty-paid value of the seized items is N12.784 billion. Chief Superintendent Isah Sulaiman described this interception as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against transnational organized crime and illicit trade, which poses a threat to national security and public health.

The operation utilized credible intelligence and advanced risk assessment tools, highlighting the command's enhanced capacity to detect and dismantle sophisticated smuggling networks attempting to exploit Nigeria's maritime entry points.