NDLEA Destroys Over ₦300 Billion Worth of Illicit Drugs in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has publicly destroyed 329,865.585 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs valued at approximately ₦301.05 billion in Lagos.

The public destruction exercise was carried out following orders from the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, after the conclusion of uncontested cases and abandoned drug seizures. The destroyed substances included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis strains, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, and khat leaves. According to the agency, over 246,000 kilograms of the seized narcotics were confiscated by its Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026, while the remaining quantities were seized across key airport, seaport, and marine operational units.

Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), described the operation as a decisive blow against organized crime networks. He noted that removing the illicit drugs prevents significant harm to public health, workforce productivity, and national security, given the strong link between drug trafficking proceeds and the financing of violent criminal groups.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, emphasized the critical importance of multi-agency collaboration in curbing drug abuse and trafficking across the state. Similarly, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commended the agency’s enforcement efforts, stating that the destruction delivers a clear deterrent to drug cartels operating in the region.