The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs valued at more than N301 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 following a court order.
According to the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the exercise was conducted pursuant to orders of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, after the conclusion of uncontested cases and seizures that had been abandoned.
He said 246,864.535 kilogrammes of the drugs were seized by NDLEA operatives between April 2025 and May 2026, while the remaining 83,001.05 kilogrammes were recovered from various commands operating in Lagos.
Speaking during the exercise, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), described the destruction as a demonstration of Nigeria’s determination to combat drug trafficking and protect communities from the consequences of illicit drug abuse.
Marwa said the drugs represented potential threats to young people, families and communities, noting that illicit drug trafficking also contributes to organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism.
He warned drug barons, traffickers, financiers and dealers that the agency would continue to pursue them and dismantle their networks and financial structures.
The NDLEA chairman also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders, the media and members of the public, stressing that the fight against drug abuse could not be won by the agency alone.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu Hundeyin, described the destruction of about 300 tonnes of narcotics and psychotropic substances as a reminder of the scale of the drug threat facing communities and young Nigerians.
The governor reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to supporting efforts to combat 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 warning to drug dealers that Nigeria would not provide a safe haven for their activities.
He noted that proceeds from drug trafficking could finance banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, insurgency and terrorism.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, also assured the NDLEA of continued support in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
Leave a comment