NDLEA Uncovers New Thai Loud Route Lagos: N4.4B Seized

• The NDLEA intercepted a total of 1,490.5kg of 'Thai Loud' cannabis, valued at over N4.4 billion, across two separate operations at Lagos's Apapa and Lekki Deep Sea Ports.
• Both seized containers originated from the Port of Laem Chabang in Thailand, indicating a newly identified trafficking route for synthetic cannabis into Nigeria.
• The Apapa seizure involved 1,090.5kg of 'Thai Loud' concealed in 54 cartons, while the Lekki seizure uncovered 400kg hidden among A4 paper pallets.
• This marks the first time illicit drugs from Thailand have been intercepted via Nigeria's maritime corridor, highlighting evolving tactics by drug traffickers.
• NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa has called for continued pressure on drug trafficking networks operating through the country's seaports.

These operations mark the first instances of illicit drugs being shipped from Thailand through Nigeria's maritime corridor, indicating a new high-risk origin for drug imports.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently announced the interception of a substantial quantity of cannabis, specifically 1,490.5 kilograms of a variant known as 'Loud,' at two key maritime facilities in Lagos. These significant seizures, valued at over N4.4 billion, occurred within days of each other at the Apapa and Lekki Deep Sea Ports, signaling a concerning development in Nigeria's ongoing battle against illicit drug trafficking.

At the Apapa Port, NDLEA operatives, collaborating with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, examined a container on a Friday. While import documents falsely declared its contents as dry fish, rice, vehicle spare parts, turmeric soap, and inverter batteries, a thorough search revealed 1,090.5 kilograms of 'Thai Loud.' This illicit consignment was meticulously packed into 54 cartons, containing 2,181 sachets, each weighing 500 grammes.

Separately, at the Lekki Deep Sea Port, another container that had been under the surveillance of the NDLEA's Marine Special Operations Unit was jointly inspected on a Wednesday. This operation led to the discovery of an additional 400 kilograms of 'Thai Loud.' The drugs were found distributed across four of the seven pallets within the container, packaged in 96 cartons comprising 400 parcels. The remaining three pallets were used to conceal the illicit cargo, holding 798 reams of A4 paper.

These recent interceptions have brought to light a previously undetected route for synthetic cannabis entering Nigeria, with both containers originating from the Port of Laem Chabang in Thailand. According to Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, these operations mark the first instances of illicit drugs being shipped from Thailand through Nigeria's maritime corridor, indicating a new high-risk origin for drug imports.

The discovery of this new route, specifically involving shipments from Thailand to Nigeria's busy Apapa and Lekki ports, suggests a strategic shift by drug cartels. This development underscores the evolving tactics of traffickers who continuously seek new avenues to exploit global trade routes, posing increased challenges for law enforcement and requiring heightened vigilance for import/export businesses dealing with Thailand and Lagos ports.

The emergence of this new Thai Loud cannabis Nigeria route is particularly significant given that most large cannabis seizures reported by the agency in recent months have involved consignments from other countries. For instance, on July 20, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa seaport intercepted 2,388.5 kilograms of 'Canadian Loud,' valued at over N7.1 billion, which was concealed in three vehicles and packed in 4,777 sachets. The latest seizures confirm that traffickers are persistently exploring Nigeria's maritime drug trafficking corridors and diverse international supply chains to introduce synthetic cannabis into the country.

In response to these successful operations and the identification of the new drug import route Nigeria, NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa commended the officers involved for their diligence. He further urged them to maintain sustained pressure on the drug trafficking networks that operate through the nation's maritime corridors. This directive signals an anticipated increase in enforcement actions and potential for related charges, emphasizing the need for robust legal counsel and due diligence for stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sectors.

This development signals a new high-risk origin and transit route for illicit drugs into Nigeria, requiring heightened due diligence for import/export businesses dealing with Thailand and Lagos ports. Legal counsel should anticipate increased enforcement actions and potential for related charges.

Source: Original reporting via Premium Times