Nigeria seizes N4.4bn Thai cannabis, uncovers new trafficking route

Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted a significant haul of cannabis, popularly known as Loud, valued at over N4.4 billion. The seizure involved 1,490.5kg of the drug found in two containers that arrived from Thailand through Lagos.

The agency's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, announced that the interceptions, occurring within days of each other at the Apapa and Lekki ports, signal a new route for synthetic cannabis trafficking into Nigeria. Both containers originated from the Port of Laem Chabang in Thailand.

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The seizures... have drawn the agency’s attention to a new route being used to bring synthetic cannabis into Nigeria.

At the Apapa Port, NDLEA operatives, collaborating with the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies, examined a container declared to contain dry fish, rice, vehicle spare parts, turmeric soap, and inverter batteries. The search revealed 1,090.5kg of Thai Loud concealed within 54 cartons. Subsequently, at the Lekki Deep Sea Port, another container on the agency's watchlist yielded 400kg of the same drug, packed in 96 cartons and hidden among reams of A4 paper.

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The interceptions were the first involving illicit drugs shipped from Thailand through Nigeria’s maritime corridor.

These seizures are particularly noteworthy as they represent the first instances of illicit drugs being shipped from Thailand through Nigeria's maritime corridor. This contrasts with recent large cannabis seizures by the NDLEA, which have typically involved consignments from other countries. For example, on July 20, the agency intercepted 2,388.5kg of Canadian Loud at the Apapa seaport, valued at over N7.1 billion.

NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa commended the officers involved and urged them to intensify efforts against drug trafficking networks utilizing the country's maritime routes. The ongoing exploration of Nigeria's seaports and diverse international supply chains by traffickers underscores the persistent challenge of combating synthetic cannabis smuggling.

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He urged them to maintain the pressure on drug trafficking networks operating through the country’s maritime corridors.