NDLEA Destroys 330,000kg of Illegal Drugs Worth N301bn in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs valued at an estimated N301.058 billion in Lagos.

The destruction exercise, carried out on Monday at Navy Town, Ojo, followed orders from the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division. The drugs were recovered from concluded uncontested cases and abandoned seizures.

According to the NDLEA, 246,864.535kg of the substances were seized by its Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026, while another 83,001.05kg were recovered by the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tin Can and Apapa Strategic Commands, Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit.

The destroyed substances included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis varieties such as Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaves.

Speaking during the exercise, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the destruction demonstrated Nigeria's determination to protect its citizens and deprive criminal networks of resources.

Marwa warned that illicit drug trafficking was linked to organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism, noting that proceeds from the illegal trade could finance criminal activities.

He vowed that the agency would continue to dismantle drug-trafficking networks and target their financial resources.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the quantity of drugs destroyed as a major reminder of the threat illicit substances pose to young people and communities. He reaffirmed the state's commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, also commended the NDLEA, saying the destruction sent a strong message to traffickers that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for their operations.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, assured the NDLEA of the Nigerian Navy's continued support in the fight against illicit drugs.

Marwa called on parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders, the media and the general public to support the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

«“Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” Marwa said.»