NDLEA Destroys N301bn Illicit Drugs in Lagos
….Over 329,865kg of cocaine, heroin, opioids, cannabis, methamphetamine and other narcotics incinerated…
….Marwa vows to dismantle drug networks as Customs links illicit trade to funding of terrorism, banditry….
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed more than 329,865 kilogrammes of illicit drugs valued at about ₦301 billion in Lagos.
The massive consignment, comprising cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ephedrine, khat leaves, tramadol, codeine syrup and various strains of cannabis, was incinerated on Monday at Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos.
The exercise was conducted following court orders in respect of concluded cases and abandoned seizures.
The drugs were intercepted during intensive operations carried out across Lagos between April 2025 and May 2026.
The NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command accounted for 246,864.535kg of the destroyed narcotics, while another 83,001.05kg was seized by specialised units, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit.
Speaking at the destruction site, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the exercise demonstrated the Federal Government’s determination to protect Nigerians and cripple criminal drug networks.
Marwa warned drug barons and their financiers that the agency would continue to track them regardless of where they operate or how sophisticated their networks are.
He said the interception of the drugs would not only reduce the risks of addiction and drug-related crimes but also save the country billions of naira in healthcare costs and protect national security.
The Lagos State Government also reaffirmed its commitment to working with federal security agencies to combat illicit drug trafficking and abuse.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the destruction had denied criminal groups billions of naira in proceeds from the illicit drug trade.
Adeniyi linked the drug trade to the financing of violent groups, including bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and terrorists, describing drug money as an important source of funding for criminal activities.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, pledged continued military support for the NDLEA’s nationwide anti-narcotics operations.
#Salient Times Online