NDLEA busts drug syndicate, seizes ₦12.3bn Canadian cannabis at Lagos port

Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a significant consignment of 4,959 kilograms of Canadian "Loud" cannabis, valued at approximately N12.3 billion, at the Apapa Port in Lagos. This seizure is part of a broader operation that also led to the dismantling of a syndicate involved in planting illicit drugs in the luggage of unsuspecting passengers at motor parks. In a separate operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, the NDLEA arrested a businesswoman, identified as 38-year-old Iwebema Ogechi Peace, with 7.5 kilograms of cocaine. The cocaine was concealed within a false bottom in her luggage as she prepared to travel to Beijing, China. The arrest occurred on June 21 following credible intelligence. The agency reported that the 40-foot container carrying the Canadian cannabis shipment had been under surveillance for over four weeks. It departed Toronto, Canada, passed through Montreal and Morocco, before arriving in Lagos. The joint examination with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies on June 23 led to the recovery of the illicit drug consignment. Furthermore, the NDLEA announced the dismantling of a drug syndicate operating at motor parks. This operation began with the interception of a Sienna bus traveling from Nnewi, Anambra State, to Abuja, where operatives found 467.7 grams of methamphetamine concealed in a passenger's luggage. Investigations revealed that the drug package was planted by bus loaders on the directive of the driver, who subsequently identified a passenger as the actual owner.

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A total of 4,959 kilograms of the illicit drug consignment worth N12,397,500,000 in street value was recovered.