NDLEA destroys N301bn cocaine, heroin, others in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria has destroyed a staggering 329,865.585 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, valued at a whopping N301.058 billion, in Lagos. This monumental destruction took place on Monday, as per a statement by the NDLEA's spokesman, Femi Babafemi. The statement revealed that 246,864.535 kilograms of the narcotics were seized between April 2025 and May 2026, while the remaining 83,001.05 kilograms were intercepted from various strategic commands within the capital city.

Among the seized drugs were cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis strains like Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids, and khat leaves. These illicit substances, according to the NDLEA, were destroyed in a court-ordered exercise following the conclusion of cases related to drug seizures. The Chairman and CEO of the NDLEA, Brig.

Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), emphasized the significance of this destruction, stating it as a bold demonstration of Nigeria's commitment to safeguarding its people and denying criminal enterprises resources to thrive. He highlighted the far-reaching consequences of illicit drug trafficking, which includes weakening the labor force, increasing healthcare costs, discouraging investment, and draining public resources that should be invested in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Marwa also connected drug trafficking to broader security challenges, noting that the trade finances organized crime, terrorism, and violent extremism globally. He praised President Bola Tinubu for his support and stressed the importance of collaboration among various sectors, including the judiciary, military, sister security agencies, international partners, civil society, traditional institutions, media, and the public.

Marwa cautioned drug traffickers, traffickers, financiers, distributors, and dealers that their days of operating without consequences were over. He vowed that the NDLEA would remain resolute, relentless, and uncompromising in pursuing and dismantling criminal networks and their financial structures. The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, echoed similar sentiments, describing the destruction as a sobering reminder of the scale of the threat posed by illicit drugs.

He emphasized the need for continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and government bodies to combat drug abuse and trafficking effectively.