The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized Canadian Cannabis of 6.8 tones which worth N16.9 billion at Apapa Port.
This has been described as one of Nigeria’s biggest drugs seizures in the recent years. The Canadian Cannabis has been tracked across three continents where it is hidden inside an ordinary shipping container that looked like any other cargo coming through Apapa.
It took months of surveillance and seamless international collaboration as NDLEA seized Canadian Cannabis of 6.8 tonnes which worth N16.9 billion at Apapa.
What Was Found at Apapa Port
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) formally took custody of 6,778.5 kilograms which is approximately 6.8 tonnes of a potent cannabis strain popularly known as Canadian Loud.
Two 40-foot containers were found. The first container contained 3,639 parcels weighing 1,819.5 kg, while the second one contained 9,918 sachets weighing approximately 4,959 kg. The drugs were sealed so tight so as to be smuggled easily.
There were also some other items in the containers including imported vehicles, automobile spare parts and household goods and items.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), represented by Director of Seaport Operations, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, confirmed the seizures were made in two separate operations on June 15 and June 24, 2026.
How Investigators Tracked the Shipment Across Three Continents
NDLEA investigators tracked the 6.8 tonne Canadian Loud cannabis shipment across multiple continents through sustained intelligence-led surveillance, international cooperation, and monitoring of complex shipping routes.
The operation was investigated by NDLEA’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and Marine Intelligence Unit, in close collaboration with Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and other security agencies.
The first container with the number CAAU 7569127 departed Toronto on April 16, 2026, moved by rail to Montreal. It was shipped to Tangier Med in Morocco and trans-shipped again. Thereafter, it arrived at Tin Can Island Port on May 27 before being intercepted at Apapa on June 10.
The second with the number HAMU 3246311 left Montreal on May 1. It was routed through Algeciras, discharged at Tin Can Island on June 4, and moved to Apapa, where it was intercepted on June 22.
NDLEA’s Special Investigation Unit and Marine Intelligence Unit worked with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to track both shipments before they arrived, not just relying on random port inspections.
Why Canadian Loud Specifically and Why It’s a Bigger Public Health Concern
Canadian Loud is a genetically modified and high-THC cannabis strain that has been displacing locally grown cannabis in premium urban markets across West and East Africa. Users seek it for stronger psychoactive effects like more intense high, euphoria, relaxation, or sedation.
In Nigerian slang and youth culture, it carries a status of an imported expensive product. It commands high street prices in Nigeria which makes it lucrative despite the risks attached to it. NDLEA frequently highlights it in busts because it represents organized international trafficking rather than just local cultivation.
This is a bigger public health concern because regular use of high-THC cannabis leads to higher risks of psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, and motivational deficits. Meanwhile, in Nigeria where treatment infrastructure is limited, use of Canadian loud might escalate health issues among youths using it.
Final Thoughts as NDLEA seized Canadian Cannabis
The Nigeria Customs Service confirmed narcotics were handed to NDLEA for investigation and prosecution, while any expired or unregistered pharmaceutical products found alongside the shipment were separately handed to NAFDAC.
As NDLEA seized Canadian Cannabis, it shows a significant milestone bagged in NDLEA’s intensified campaign against drug trafficking under Marwa’s leadership. The agency continues to strengthen partnerships with international law enforcement organisations and deploy intelligence-led operations to intercept illicit drugs before they enter Nigerian communities.
Do you think seizures like this are actually slowing down drug trafficking through Nigerian ports, or just catching one shipment out of many? Tell us what you think.
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