NDLEA Destroys N301bn Cocaine, Heroin, Others in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs valued at N301.058 billion in Lagos.
The drugs, which included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, Canadian Loud, skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaves, were destroyed on Monday.
The NDLEA, in a statement by its spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the exercise was conducted pursuant to orders of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, following the conclusion of uncontested cases and seizures that had been abandoned.
According to him, 246,864.535kg of the illicit drugs were seized by operatives between April 2025 and May 2026.
“The NDLEA has publicly destroyed 329,865.585 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs with an estimated street value of N301,058,076,000 only in a court-ordered exercise carried out in Lagos.

“Of the total consignment, 246,864.535 kilograms were seized by the Lagos Strategic Command of the Agency between April 2025 and May 2026, while 83,001.05 kilograms came from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, as well as the Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit, all operating within Lagos.
”The destroyed illicit drugs comprised mainly cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis of different strains including Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup and other opioids, as well as khat leaf.”
Speaking at the destruction exercise, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), described it as “a bold demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to protect its people and deny criminal enterprises the resources they need to thrive.”
Marwa said the drugs represented more than contraband, noting that behind every kilogramme destroyed was a potential threat to a young person, family and community.
He said illicit drugs weaken the labour force, increase healthcare costs, discourage investment and drain public resources that should be channelled into education, healthcare and infrastructure.
According to him, every consignment intercepted by the agency saves the country billions of naira in potential losses associated with addiction, crime and social dislocation.
Marwa also linked illicit drug trafficking to Nigeria’s broader security challenges, saying the trade helps fund organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism globally.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for the agency, as well as the judiciary, Lagos State Government, military, sister security agencies, international partners, civil society, traditional institutions, media and members of the public for their collaboration.
The NDLEA boss also praised the agency’s personnel, particularly those operating in Lagos, for their sacrifices and risks in the fight against illicit drugs.
Marwa warned drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers, saying their days of operating with impunity were over.
“Wherever you hide, whoever sponsors you and however sophisticated your network may be, the long arm of the law will reach you,” he said.
He vowed that the agency would remain “resolute, relentless and uncompromising” in pursuing and dismantling criminal networks and their financial structures.
The chairman urged Nigerians, parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders and the media to play active roles in combating drug abuse and trafficking, stressing that the war could not be won by the NDLEA alone.
Also speaking, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the destruction of about 300 tonnes of narcotics and psychotropic substances as a “huge and sobering reminder” of the scale of the threat posed by illicit drugs.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said the exercise was also evidence of what could be achieved when law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and government worked together.
“The scale of what has been destroyed today, about 300 tons of narcotics and psychotropic substances, is a huge and sobering reminder of the enormity of the threat that illicit drugs pose to our communities, our young people, and our collective future,” he said.