Inside the Intelligence-Led Operation That Dismantled Two Transnational Drug Routes — With Customs, RCMP and a Vow to Go After Criminal Assets
Felix Mbata, Lagos state
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA formally took custody of 6,778.5 kilograms of ‘Canadian Loud’, a high-potency strain of cannabis. The drugs were intercepted in two containers during a joint examination by NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and other security agencies.
It was, in the words of the Agency, “a massive blow to transnational drug trafficking networks.”
The Intelligence Operation
The seizures did not happen by chance. They were the end point of months of painstaking, intelligence-led work by the NDLEA Special Investigation Unit and the NDLEA Marine Intelligence Unit.
Working in close synchronization with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMP and the Nigeria Customs Service, the teams tracked consignments that crossed multiple continents to evade law enforcement.
Container One: The Toronto–Tangier–Tin Can Route
Container CAAU 7569127 departed Toronto on April 16, 2026. To avoid detection, it was moved by rail to Montreal before being loaded onto the vessel Ghallow Express.
It arrived at Tangier Med, Morocco, on May 6, 2026, where it was trans-shipped onto the Spartel Trader. The vessel berthed at Tin Can Island Port on May 27, 2026.
From there, it was moved to the Global Bonded Terminal before being transferred by water to Apapa Port on June 10, 2026. That was where it fell into the hands of waiting NDLEA officers during the joint examination.
Container Two: The Montreal–Algeciras Route
Container HAMU 3246311 left Montreal on May 1, 2026 aboard the Africa Express. On May 15, 2026, it was trans-shipped onto the Algeciras Express and arrived at Tin Can Island Port.
After discharge on June 4, 2026, it was moved to Apapa Port on June 22, 2026, where NDLEA operatives intercepted it.
The two seizures were recorded on June 15 and June 24, 2026.
“A Clear and Unequivocal Message”
Speaking at the formal handover at Apapa Port, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive, NDLEA, was represented by ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, Director of Seaport Operations.
“Through two major seizures recorded on 15th and 24th June 2026, we send a clear and unequivocal message that we are more determined than ever to dismantle organised criminal syndicates and drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond our borders,” Marwa stated.
Beyond Confiscation: Targeting the Money
Marwa made it clear that NDLEA’s fight does not end at the seaport.
“We recognise that the staggering profits generated by illicit drug trafficking continue to fuel crimes against humanity and against our nation, despite the devastating toll they take on individuals, families and communities. As such, we remain resolute. Our work does not end with seizure. We are committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible, to confiscating their criminal assets, and to ensuring that they derive no benefit whatsoever from their illegal enterprise,” he said.
Commending Synergy
The NDLEA boss reserved strong praise for inter-agency teamwork.
“I commend, in the strongest terms, the dedication, professionalism and courage of the officers and men of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and all sister security agencies who refused to look away and allow these dangerous substances to flood our communities. Your patriotism and unwavering commitment have once again proven that you are effective guardians of our maritime gateways,” he said.
“This success was made possible by the intelligence-sharing and operational synergy displayed by every participating agency. It is a powerful demonstration of what inter-agency collaboration, international cooperation and intelligence-driven operations can achieve in the fight against transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking,” Marwa added.
The Bigger Picture
At 6,778.5 kilograms, the ‘Canadian Loud’ represents one of the largest cannabis seizures at Nigeria’s seaports. The complex routing — Toronto → Montreal → Tangier → Tin Can → Apapa and Montreal → Tin Can → Apapa — shows the sophistication of the syndicates.
But with RCMP intelligence, Customs partnership, Marine and Special Investigation Units, and a mandate to seize assets, not just drugs, NDLEA says the game has changed.
Reported by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja | Wednesday, July 1, 2026