The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the NDLEA, intercepted 347.5 kilogrammes of cannabis, also called ‘Canadian loud’, at the Apapa port.

The customs area comptroller, Emmanuel Oshoba, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Oshoba said the cannabis was concealed inside an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle among four vehicles in a single consignment at the port.

“This seizure marks the fourth major joint drug interception by both agencies at the port within the last two months,” he said.

He explained that the illicit substance was hidden in 13 bags, which were discovered during coordinated intelligence gathering and detailed cargo examination.

“Ten bags weighed 25kg each, while the remaining three weighed 29kg, 34.5kg and 34kg, totalling 347.5kg,” Mr Oshoba stated.

The interception came barely 24 hours after Oshoba received a World Customs Organisation Certificate of Merit for outstanding service and commitment to border security.

Mr Oshoba reiterated the command’s resolve to prevent the movement of prohibited items through Apapa port.

“Any attempt by criminal elements to traffic prohibited items through this port will be detected and thwarted,” he warned.

He said the command remained vigilant and resolute in protecting society and national security.

“No cargo, imported or exported, will pass through this port without thorough examination,” Mr Oshoba added.

The operation highlighted growing synergy between the customs and the NDLEA, in line with the vision of the comptroller-general, Bashir Adeniyi. In line with established procedures, the seized consignment was formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

The development followed the recent WCO recognition accorded to Mr Oshoba and the NDLEA Apapa commander, Mohammed Tukur.

(NAN)