By Godwin Oritse

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Port Command, in a joint operation with the NDLEA, have foiled an attempt to smuggle 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud hidden in an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle.

According to a statement by Isah Sulaiman,Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer of the command, the seizure occurred barely 24 hours after Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller (CAC) Apapa Port Command, received a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit. The illicit substance was concealed in Thirteen (13) bags within one of four vehicles contained in a single import consignment.

A detailed weighing confirmed the breakdown as Ten bags at 25kg each, One at 29kg, and Two at 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, totaling 347.5kg.

This marks the fourth significant joint drug interception by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port in under Two (2) months, underscoring Comptroller Oshoba’s firm commitment that no cargo wthether import or export will pass through the port without thorough examination.

Reacting to the bust, Comptroller Oshoba warns that “Any attempt by criminal elements to traffic prohibited items through Apapa Port will be detected and thwarted. We remain vigilant and resolute in the discharge of our duty to protect our society and national security.”

The operation highlights the exemplary inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD. Through intelligence sharing and joint efforts, NCS and NDLEA officers have consistently outmaneuvered smuggling networks in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Oshoba noted that the seizure is a direct outcome of this strengthened partnership and emphasized that the upcoming deployment of a high-capacity 200-container-per-hour drive-through scanner will further enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations.

Both agencies’ Standard Operating Procedures continue to foster zero tolerance, unwavering professionalism and seamless cooperation among officers.In line with established protocols, the seized 347.5kg of Canadian Loud has been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of associated suspects.