The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a large consignment of high-grade cannabis valued at approximately ₦10.43 billion at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.
The shipment, described as “Canadian Loud,” weighed 4,173.5 kilograms and was uncovered after months of coordinated intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tracking operations involving both local and international security partners.
According to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the illicit cargo originated from Toronto, Canada, on March 28, 2026.
It was reportedly moved by rail to Montreal before being loaded onto the vessel Jakarta Express Voyage, which first arrived at the Tanger Med Port in Morocco on April 15.
The shipment was later transferred to another vessel, Osaka Voyage, which eventually docked in Lagos on May 9, 2026.
NDLEA confirmed that its Marine Intelligence Unit, in collaboration with the Tincan Island Strategic Command, closely monitored the container for over two months.
The operation also involved international agencies including the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
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The drugs were discovered during a joint examination on May 12, 2026, involving NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies.
Investigations revealed that the cannabis was cleverly concealed inside a used Ford bus and a Mercedes-Benz C300 packed within the container.
In a related development, NDLEA Director of Seaports Operations, Ibinabo Archie-Abia, praised the operation as a strong demonstration of effective inter-agency cooperation in tackling transnational drug trafficking.
The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), also commended the officers involved, describing the seizure as a clear warning to international drug syndicates attempting to use Nigerian ports as entry points for illegal substances.
Marwa noted that this interception comes just days after another major raid in Lagos, where over 2,300 kilograms of similar substances were recovered from a suspected stash house in Lekki.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and ensuring that all those involved are brought to justice.
The NDLEA emphasized that ongoing collaboration with international partners will continue to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against drug smuggling and organized crime.
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