NDLEA, US, UK Launch Joint Probe into N338bn Cocaine Seizure at Lagos Port
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has begun a joint investigation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to uncover the cartel responsible for importing 1,000 kilogrammes of cocaine valued at over $235 million (about N338 billion).
The illicit shipment was intercepted at the PTML Terminal of the Tincan Island Port in Lagos, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.
Babafemi explained that operators at the PTML Terminal discovered the drug-laden consignment inside an empty container and immediately alerted relevant agencies, including the NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service, leading to a joint inspection. Field tests carried out by NDLEA operatives confirmed the substance to be cocaine.
Following the confirmation, the consignment was moved into NDLEA custody on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, for further investigation. Babafemi described the seizure as the largest single cocaine interception ever recorded at the Tincan Port.
He said the operation was carried out in close collaboration with the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, under the directive of NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.).
Marwa noted that international partners were invited due to the magnitude of the seizure and the suspected global reach of the drug cartel. “As a result of the large quantity of the recovered Class A drug and the global dimension of the network, we have engaged our international partners — the US DEA and the UK NCA — who have now joined the ongoing investigation,” the NDLEA statement read.
The agency added that the joint operation aims to dismantle the syndicate behind the massive cocaine shipment.
In a related development, the NDLEA recently arrested a wanted drug baron, 40-year-old Yussuf Azeez, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on November 6, 2025, while he attempted to board a flight to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
Over the past 30 months, the NDLEA has seized more than 8.5 million kilogrammes of narcotics, arrested at least 45,853 suspects, and secured 9,263 convictions, according to Marwa.
