N10.4bln Canadian Loud Seized as NDLEA Busts Major Drug Shipment in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has stepped up its aggressive crackdown on drug trafficking networks, as operatives this time intercepted a massive consignment of synthetic cannabis worth over N10.4 billion at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.

Information about the operation was provided in an email sent to Persecondnews by the Director Media, and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi on Wednesday, in Abuja.

The shipment, identified as Canadian Loud and weighing 4,173.5 kilograms, was concealed inside a used Ford bus and a Mercedes Benz C300 vehicle packed within a shipping container imported from Canada.

The container reportedly originated from Toronto on March 28, moved through rail to Montreal, and was loaded onto the vessel Jakarta Express.

It later transited through Tanger Med Port in Morocco before being transferred to another vessel, Osaka Voyage, which arrived at the Lagos Port on May 9, 2026.
     
According to the agency, the consignment was placed under close monitoring for over two months through intelligence led surveillance by its Marine Intelligence Unit and the Tincan Island Strategic Command.

This was carried out in collaboration with international partners including the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The interception was effected on Tuesday May 12 during a joint examination of the container involving NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies.

Speaking during the handover of the seized exhibits at the port on Wednesday, NDLEA Director of Seaports Operations, ACG Ibinabo Archie-Abia, said the operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement efforts in disrupting transnational drug networks.

He added that the development reflects sustained pressure on criminal syndicates attempting to use Nigeria’s seaports as entry points for illicit drugs.
     
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, retired Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa said the agency will continue to intensify its operations against drug cartels attempting to flood Nigeria with illicit substances.

“This second massive seizure in less than a week is a clear message to the international syndicates who think they can use our ports as entry points for their soul-destroying trade, that the synergy between NDLEA and Customs Service as well as other security agencies and our international partners like the Canadian Royal Mounted Police, the UK-HOIO and the US DEA is yielding fantastic results,” he said.

“We will not rest until every link in this supply chain is broken and those behind these shipments are brought to justice,” Marwa added.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustained joint operations and international collaboration aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks targeting Nigeria.

The development comes just days after NDLEA operatives raided a Lekki residence used as a drug stash house, where 2,326 kilograms of Canadian Loud valued at over N5.8 billion were recovered.