NDLEA Foils ₦10.4bn Cannabis Smuggling in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted a massive cannabis shipment valued at about ₦10.4 billion in Lagos, dealing a major blow to suspected international drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria.

NDLEA officials disclosed that the seizure followed a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives at strategic locations within the state.

According to the agency, the intercepted consignment contained several tonnes of cannabis concealed in cargo containers allegedly prepared for distribution across different parts of the country.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, described the operation as one of the agency’s biggest drug busts in recent months.

He said the successful interception demonstrated the agency’s renewed determination to dismantle organised drug syndicates and curb illicit drug trafficking nationwide.

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Marwa noted that investigations were ongoing to identify all individuals linked to the shipment, adding that several suspects had already been arrested in connection with the case.

The NDLEA boss warned criminal networks that Nigeria would no longer serve as a safe corridor for narcotics trafficking.

He further stressed that the agency had intensified surveillance at ports, border communities, airports, and major transit points across the country.

Security analysts said the seizure reflects growing collaboration between intelligence agencies and anti-narcotics operatives in tracking transnational criminal activities.

The agency also reiterated concerns over the increasing circulation of hard drugs and cannabis among youths, linking substance abuse to rising criminal activities and public health challenges.

Officials explained that beyond arrests and seizures, the NDLEA would continue to expand advocacy campaigns, rehabilitation programmes, and community sensitisation efforts aimed at reducing drug abuse.

Residents around the operation area commended security personnel for the interception, saying the circulation of illicit substances has contributed to insecurity in several communities.

The NDLEA maintained that ongoing operations nationwide would target both local distributors and international trafficking cartels attempting to exploit Nigeria’s commercial routes.

The seized drugs are expected to be destroyed after investigations and legal procedures are concluded.