NDLEA intercepts drugs worth N2bn, secures convictions of 248 suspects in Delta

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Delta State has made significant strides in curbing drug trafficking, according to recent reports. Between July 2025 and September 2026, the agency seized 2.446497 tonnes of illicit drugs, valued at an estimated N2 billion. NDLEA Commander Halilu Hamidu presented these findings to the press on September 15, 2026, detailing the agency's achievements over the period.

During the specified timeframe, the NDLEA managed to secure the conviction of 248 suspects, with 223 cases still pending in the courts. The seized drugs included a variety of substances such as 1.387751 tonnes of Cannabis sativa, 81.023 kilograms of cannabis seeds, 0.1511 kilograms of cocaine, and 0.0317 kilograms of heroin. Additional substances recovered were 0.8906 kilograms of methamphetamine, 2.303 kilograms of Molly, 666.295 kilograms of tramadol, and 16.113 kilograms of Swinol/Rohypnol.

The NDLEA also seized 52.940 kilograms of diazepam/bromazepam, 5,190.8 kilograms of Exol-5, 0.7395 kilograms of Cocodamol, and 47.560 kilograms of laughing gas, or nitrous oxide. Furthermore, 1,304.630 litres of liquid drug exhibits, including 819.327 litres of codeine and 54.993 litres of a mixture of cannabis and dry gin, were also intercepted.

One of the notable operations involved a raid on a warehouse at Oko Market, Asaba, where illicit substances with a street value exceeding N150 million were seized. The agency also intercepted three trucks carrying codeine and psychotropic substances, valued at N150 million and N100 million, respectively. Additionally, two commercial buses laden with illicit psychotropic drugs, with an estimated value of over N300 million, were intercepted along the Onitsha-Asaba Expressway.

The NDLEA destroyed 35.2 hectares of Cannabis sativa farmland across the state as part of their efforts to combat drug cultivation. Hamidu emphasized the agency's commitment to preventing drug traffickers from using Delta State as a route or location for storing, cultivating, and distributing illicit drugs. The command is actively working to disrupt the drug trade and protect the community from the detrimental effects of drug abuse.