The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), CON, OFR, has described the handover of 6,778.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica, popularly known as “Canadian Loud,” by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as a landmark achievement in the fight against transnational drug trafficking.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony in Lagos on Wednesday, Marwa said the operation underscored the growing synergy between the NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service in disrupting organised criminal networks and preventing illicit drugs from reaching Nigerian communities.
According to him, the massive seizure resulted from two intelligence-driven operations carried out on June 15 and June 24, 2026, through the collaborative efforts of the NDLEA Special Investigation Unit, the Marine Intelligence Unit, the Nigeria Customs Service and international partners, particularly the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Marwa disclosed that intelligence gathering and surveillance lasted more than four months, during which officers monitored the movement of the containers from Canada through multiple international transit points before successfully intercepting them at Nigerian ports.
He explained that the first container, identified as CAAU 7569127, departed Toronto on April 16, 2026, before passing through Montreal, Morocco and eventually arriving at Tin Can Island Port. It was later transferred to Apapa Port, where it was intercepted during a joint examination involving NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies.
The second container, HAMU 3246311, departed Montreal on May 1 aboard the Africa Express, was later trans-shipped onto the Algeciras Express, and eventually arrived at Tin Can Island Port before being intercepted at Apapa Port on June 22 by NDLEA operatives.
Describing the seizure as one of the largest in recent times, Marwa said the confiscation of more than six tonnes of Canadian Loud sends a strong message to drug trafficking syndicates that Nigeria’s security agencies remain determined to dismantle their operations.
He stressed that the Agency’s responsibility extends beyond intercepting illicit drugs, adding that investigations are ongoing to identify, arrest and prosecute all individuals connected to the shipments while confiscating proceeds of crime linked to the trafficking network.
Marwa commended officers of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies for their professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment, noting that their vigilance prevented dangerous narcotics from flooding Nigerian communities.
He also praised the intelligence-sharing framework and operational collaboration among local and international partners, describing it as a model for combating transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking.
The NDLEA boss expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire Nigeria Customs Service for their continued support, acknowledging the dual responsibility of Customs officers in protecting the nation’s borders while facilitating legitimate trade and revenue generation.
Reaffirming the Agency’s commitment, Marwa said the NDLEA would continue working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies to strengthen maritime security, dismantle criminal drug networks and safeguard Nigeria’s ports for legitimate commerce, investment and national development.
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