By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 347.5kg of Canadian Loud at the Apapa Port, Lagos.
The drugs were concealed inside an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle among four automobiles in a containerised consignment.
The interception followed a joint operation by officers of the Apapa Port Command and NDLEA personnel.
According to officials, the illicit substance was hidden in 13 bags, which were carefully packed inside the vehicle to evade detection.
A detailed weighing exercise revealed that 10 bags weighed 25kg each, one bag weighed 29kg, while two others weighed 34.5kg and 34kg.
The seizure took place shortly after the Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, received a World Customs Organisation Certificate of Merit.
Reacting to the development, Oshoba said the command would not allow criminals to exploit the port.
“Smugglers should know that Apapa Port is no longer a safe route for illegal trade,” he said.
He explained that the success was made possible through intelligence-driven operations and close collaboration between security agencies.
The intercepted drugs have been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.