NDLEA destroys N329bn worth of illicit drugs in Lagos
NDLEA Destroys Over 329,000 Kilograms of Illicit Drugs in Lagos
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has carried out the destruction of 329,865.585 kilograms of various illicit substances, valued at approximately N301.058 billion, in Lagos. The operation took place on Monday at Navy Town, Ojo, under the authority of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division. It involved narcotics from finalized uncontested cases as well as abandoned confiscations.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, 246,864.535 kilograms of drugs were seized by the agency’s Lagos Strategic Command from April 2025 to May 2026. The remaining 83,001.05 kilograms were recovered by various commands, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a Special Operations Unit within Lagos.
The destroyed substances included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, various strains of cannabis—such as Canadian Loud and skunk—ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids, and khat leaves.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) characterized the destruction as a strong indication of the country’s commitment to combatting drug-related crimes. He emphasized that each kilogram of narcotics eliminated from circulation represents a potential danger to individuals, families, and communities.
Marwa warned drug traffickers that the NDLEA would heighten its efforts to dismantle their operations. “Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you, and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” he stated.
He also urged the public, including parents, educators, religious leaders, and the media, to join in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, stressing that the challenge cannot be overcome by the NDLEA alone.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the State Government Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the quantity of narcotics destroyed highlights the severity of the drug problem in Nigeria. He described the exercise as a testament to the collaborative efforts among law enforcement, the judiciary, and governmental bodies in addressing this serious threat.
“The scale of what has been destroyed today—approximately 300 tons of narcotics and psychotropic substances—serves as a sobering reminder of the enormity of the threat that illicit drugs pose to our communities and youth,” Sanwo-Olu noted, assuring that Lagos would remain committed to tackling drug-related issues.
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, applauded the NDLEA for its ongoing efforts against drug trafficking. He remarked that the seizures reflected the agency’s activities across the nation’s ports and borders, delivering a strong warning to traffickers.
Adeniyi linked the proceeds from drug trafficking to various forms of violent crime, indicating that disrupting the drug trade would significantly impact funding for criminal organizations. He emphasized that the destruction of seized drugs would incur substantial financial losses for traffickers while restricting resources for violent groups.
He commended Marwa and NDLEA personnel for their roles in the anti-drug operations. Additionally, the Chief of Naval Staff, represented by Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing support for the country’s drug control initiatives coordinated by the NDLEA.
