NDLEA Seizes ₦12.4 Billion Cannabis at Lagos Port, Dismantles Drug Syndicate Targeting Passengers
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a massive consignment of cannabis worth ₦12.4 billion at the Lagos Port while also uncovering and dismantling a drug trafficking syndicate accused of secretly planting illicit drugs in the luggage of unsuspecting passengers.
According to the agency, the seized consignment consisted of a large quantity of high-grade cannabis concealed inside a shipping container that arrived from Canada. The shipment, which also contained two vehicles, had been under close surveillance for several weeks before operatives intercepted it during a joint inspection at the port.
NDLEA said intelligence gathered during the operation revealed that the container departed from Toronto, Canada, before passing through several international transit points, including Morocco, before arriving in Lagos. Following extensive monitoring and collaboration with other security agencies, officers successfully recovered the illicit drugs before they could be distributed within the country.
In a related operation, the anti-narcotics agency uncovered a criminal syndicate that allegedly concealed illegal drugs inside the luggage of unsuspecting passengers travelling on commercial buses. Investigators said the group secretly inserted drug packages into passengers’ belongings without their knowledge, intending to retrieve the consignments at designated destinations.The investigation began after NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial bus travelling from Anambra State to the Federal Capital Territory. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of methamphetamine hidden among passengers’ luggage. Further investigations resulted in the arrest of several suspects believed to be members of the syndicate, including bus loaders and the alleged owner of the illicit consignment.
In another operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested a businesswoman who was preparing to board a flight to China after allegedly concealing several kilograms of cocaine in a specially constructed compartment inside her suitcase.The agency also carried out additional operations across Lagos, leading to the arrest of more suspects and the seizure of large quantities of cannabis and other prohibited substances being transported to different parts of the country.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers involved in the operations for their professionalism and vigilance. He said the latest seizures demonstrate the agency’s determination to dismantle both local and international drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria.
Marwa also praised the growing collaboration between the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service and international law enforcement agencies, noting that intelligence sharing has significantly improved the agency’s ability to intercept illicit shipments before they reach criminal groups.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations at airports, seaports and land borders as part of efforts to curb drug trafficking and protect public safety. The agency added that investigations are continuing to identify other members of the syndicates and ensure that everyone connected to the illegal operations is brought to justice.
