The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has intercepted illicit opioid consignments valued at over ₦6.5 billion during two major operations in Lagos and Rivers states, disrupting what authorities describe as one of the largest trafficking attempts this year
The agency in a statement disclosed that the seizures were made through coordinated intelligence-led operations at strategic locations, including seaports and bonded terminals, where the illicit substances were concealed in shipments of legitimate goods.
NDLEA operatives uncovered thousands of cartons containing various forms of opioids, including tramadol and codeine-based mixtures—substances commonly abused and linked to Nigeria’s growing addiction crisis.
In Lagos, the operation targeted a container at the Tin Can Port reportedly imported from India, while the Rivers State bust took place at a private warehouse in Port Harcourt, believed to be a distribution hub for traffickers operating across the South-South region.
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NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), hailed the operations as a significant victory in the agency’s ongoing war against narcotics and pharmaceutical trafficking. He emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford to allow drug syndicates to flood the market with substances that contribute to crime, insecurity, and health problems, especially among youth.
The agency confirmed that investigations are ongoing to trace the individuals and networks behind the intercepted shipments. Arrests have been made, although officials did not disclose the number or identities of suspects at this time.
These busts come amid an escalating crackdown on drug trafficking nationwide, with the NDLEA intensifying surveillance at entry points and ramping up collaboration with international partners to combat transnational narcotics crimes.
NAN
