LIFESTYLE Culture

Lagos Witnesses Destruction of N301bn Illicit Drugs

by admin on | 2026-08-18 11:26:57

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By Muhammad Bala Imam

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of illicit drugs worth an estimated N301.06 billion in Lagos, following Federal High Court orders covering concluded cases and abandoned seizures.

The court-ordered destruction exercise took place at Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, and involved illicit drugs seized by several NDLEA commands operating across the state.

The NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command accounted for 246,864.535 kilogrammes seized between April 2025 and May 2026.

Another 83,001.05 kilogrammes came from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, the Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit.

The destroyed substances included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and various forms of cannabis, including Canadian Loud and skunk. The consignment also contained ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaves.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the destruction as a demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to protect its citizens and disrupt criminal enterprises.

Marwa said every kilogramme of narcotics destroyed represented a potential threat to young people, families and communities. He also linked illicit drug use to addiction, drug-related crime and impaired driving.

He said the economic impact extended beyond the illegal drug market, adding that illicit drugs weaken the labour force, increase healthcare costs, discourage investment and divert public resources from education, healthcare and infrastructure.

“Every consignment intercepted by the Agency saves the country billions of naira in potential losses linked to addiction, crime and social dislocation,” he said.

Marwa also linked drug trafficking to Nigeria’s wider security challenges, saying proceeds from the illegal trade could support organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism globally.

The NDLEA chief credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration with providing strategic support for the agency’s mandate.

He also recognised the roles of the judiciary, Lagos State Government, military, security agencies, international partners, civil society, traditional institutions, media and the public.

Marwa commended NDLEA personnel nationwide, particularly officers serving in Lagos, for the risks and sacrifices involved in their duties.

He warned drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and dealers that the agency would pursue their networks.