NDLEA destroys N301bn cocaine, heroin, others in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos has destroyed 329,865.585 kilograms of illegal drugs, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and opioids, valued at N301.058 billion. The destruction took place on Monday, following court orders from the Federal High Court in Lagos. Between April 2025 and May 2026, 246,864.535 kilograms of illicit drugs were seized by various NDLEA strategic commands, including those at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the Marine Command.

The destroyed drugs posed significant threats to individuals, families, and communities, as they weaken the labor force, raise healthcare costs, discourage investment, and drain public resources. The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), emphasized the importance of the exercise in demonstrating Nigeria's resolve to combat drug abuse and denial of resources to criminal enterprises.

He also highlighted the agency's ongoing partnership with various stakeholders, including the judiciary, government, military, and international partners, in the fight against illicit drugs. The governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, praised the exercise as a reminder of the scale of the drug threat and the importance of continued collaboration among law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and the public to combat drug abuse and trafficking.