The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered how drug traffickers concealed illicit substances inside imported vehicles, black soap and cargo shipments in a series of intelligence-led operations that resulted in the seizure of narcotics worth more than ₦10 billion and the arrest of several suspected kingpins.
The agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks, commending officers involved in the operations and urging commands across the country to sustain efforts to curb both the supply of illicit drugs and the demand for them through public awareness initiatives.
Among the most significant discoveries was a large consignment of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, concealed inside three imported vehicles at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos. According to the agency, operatives recovered 4,777 sachets weighing about 2,388.5 kilograms, with an estimated street value of more than ₦7.1 billion, making it one of the largest cannabis seizures recorded at the port.
Investigators also uncovered another concealment method involving Tramadol, an opioid commonly abused for non-medical purposes. The tablets were reportedly hidden inside containers of black soap that were being prepared for export to the United Kingdom, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated techniques employed by traffickers to evade security checks.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted a cargo shipment from India containing approximately 2.24 million pills of Tapentadol 250mg, another opioid with a high potential for abuse. The agency said the seizure followed intelligence gathering and a thorough examination of the consignment.
Further investigations led to the arrest of suspects allegedly linked to attempts to smuggle cocaine and other illicit drugs through the airport. The agency said intelligence-led operations enabled officers to identify and apprehend individuals believed to be coordinating the trafficking activities.
Beyond Lagos, the NDLEA reported additional operations in Edo, Kaduna and Katsina states, where operatives recovered large quantities of cannabis and intercepted other prohibited items during separate enforcement activities.
The latest operations underscore the evolving methods used by drug trafficking syndicates to conceal illicit substances within legitimate cargo and consumer goods. Public health experts warn that the illegal circulation of opioids such as Tramadol and Tapentadol contributes to addiction, overdose and other serious health risks, making enforcement efforts an important component of protecting public health.
Marwa praised the officers who participated in the operations, describing the seizures and arrests as a reflection of the agency’s sustained commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks and preventing illicit substances from reaching Nigerian communities.
Source: https://ndlea.gov.ng/news
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