NDLEA seizes N12.4bn cannabis shipment at Lagos port, arrests suspected traffickers

Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a massive shipment of cannabis at the Apapa Port in Lagos. The 40-foot container held 4,959 kilograms of 'Canadian Loud,' a potent cannabis strain with an estimated street value of N12.4 billion.

The seizure was the result of over four weeks of intelligence-led surveillance and a joint examination involving the NDLEA, Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies. The container had a long journey, departing Toronto, Canada, on April 25 and tracked through various international ports before arriving in Nigeria on June 4.

In parallel operations, the NDLEA also arrested a 38-year-old businesswoman at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport attempting to board a flight to Beijing with 7.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in her suitcase. Furthermore, the agency uncovered a syndicate that allegedly plants illicit drugs in the luggage of unsuspecting passengers on commercial buses. This led to the arrest of a bus loader and a driver in connection with the scheme.

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The large illicit drug consignment which was loaded into a 40ft container comprising a Ford and a Nissan vehicle came under NDLEA tracking and monitoring system since 25th April 2026 when it arrived Toronto, Canada via truck, Montreal via rail on 29th April, Tanger Med Morocco on 11th May, loaded on another vessel on 23rd May before arriving Tincan port Lagos on 4th June and discharged there 5th June before the container eventually left Tincan and arrived Apapa port on Monday 22nd June.