The shipments were intercepted after months of intelligence-led tracking across three continents
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted significant shipments of methamphetamine and “Loud” cannabis concealed in automobile spare parts imported from Canada, worth billions of naira, at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the seizure on Sunday, revealing that the drugs were intended for distribution during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.
The interception followed months of intelligence-driven tracking across three continents. This marks the first time the NDLEA has seized two separate methamphetamine consignments, totaling 83.301 kilograms. Babafemi emphasized that the shipments were destined for warehouses in the Ladipo automobile parts market in Lagos, and two individuals, Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe, were arrested in connection with the bust.
On December 13, NDLEA operatives examined a container containing 1,735 parcels of “Loud” cannabis, packed into 44 jumbo bags weighing 867.5kg, along with six coolers holding 87 packs of methamphetamine weighing 78.3kg. The combined value of the seized methamphetamine is estimated at ₦124.95 million, while the street value of the Loud cannabis is a staggering ₦2.17 billion.
The drugs were discovered following a joint examination with Customs and other port authorities, after extensive tracking from the ports in Canada to their arrival in Lagos. The first shipment, containing 5.001kg of methamphetamine, was flagged by the NDLEA’s intelligence network on October 4, 2024, when preparations began in Toronto. The shipment traveled through various locations, including Antwerp, Belgium, before arriving in Lagos on December 1. The final delivery to a bonded terminal occurred two days later.
