Again, Customs, NDLEA Impound Canadian Loud in Apapa Port

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Barely 5 days after the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered 25.5kg cocaine in a Brazilian flagged vessel, both agencies have seized Canadian Loud, an expensive strain of cannabis concealed inside a container.

A statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman informed that following credible intelligence provided by the NDLEA, both agencies uncovered a total of 2,374 packages of cannabis concealed in 55 bags hidden inside a 1x20ft container with No FCIU 6369526 laden with two vehicles. Sulaiman who put the total weight of the illicit drug at 1,187kg, further disclosed that both agencies, in the course of joint examination, discovered the seizure which has been taken into the custody of the NDLEA; further noting that a breakdown of the drugs indicates that they were packed in 500 grams per sachet.

Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, commended the robust synergy between the NCS and NDLEA while reiterating the service zero tolerance for smuggling.

“Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements.

“No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and economy for any form of trade. While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle eyed officers are activated to be alert at all times.

“Let me warn, once again for the umpteenth time, any trader, importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond, will face the full wrath of the law.”

Oshoba stated that investigations are ongoing on this seizure and “we shall bring the perpetrators to book.”