The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 8,852 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, at Eleko Beach road in Lekki, Lagos State. The operation, which took place on Thursday, May 4, 2023, involved a 30-minute gunfight with armed men who were escorting the illicit consignment in two long trucks. According to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the operatives had acted on credible intelligence and laid an ambush for the traffickers.
Upon flagging down the trucks, they were not compliant and instead sped off with the armed men, leading to a 30-minute exchange of gunfire before they were overpowered by the NDLEA operatives. The truck drivers and their armed escorts were able to escape into the bush, abandoning the trucks and the drug consignments.
The first truck, painted red, contained 149 jumbo bags weighing 6,548kg, while the second truck, painted blue, had 53 big bags weighing 2,304kg, bringing the total number of bags to 202 and a gross weight of 8,852 kilograms. Babafemi added that the agency was already on the trail of the drug lord who shipped the consignment into the country.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd), commended the efforts of the operatives involved in the operation, stating that it was a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking in the country. He also warned drug barons and traffickers to desist from their illicit activities, stating that the NDLEA was determined to rid the country of drug abuse and trafficking.
The Canadian Loud strain of cannabis is a highly potent and dangerous drug, known to cause hallucinations, delusions, and other mental health problems in users. The seizure of such a large quantity of the drug is a major win for the NDLEA and a step forward in the agency's efforts to curb the use and trafficking of illicit drugs in the country.
The NDLEA has been working tirelessly to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria, which is a major transit point for drugs entering Africa from South America and Asia. The agency has been collaborating with international partners to share intelligence and resources in the fight against drug trafficking.
The seizure of the Canadian Loud is just one of many successful operations carried out by the NDLEA in recent months. The agency has stepped up its efforts to combat drug trafficking, and the results are beginning to show.
However, the fight against drug trafficking is far from over, and the NDLEA will continue to work tirelessly to rid the country of illicit drugs. The agency has called on Nigerians to support its efforts by providing useful information and reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest NDLEA office.
The seizure of the Canadian Loud is a reminder of the dangers posed by drug trafficking and the need for all stakeholders to work together to combat the menace. The NDLEA has shown that it is up to the task, and with continued support from the government and the people, it will succeed in its mission to rid the country of drug abuse and trafficking.