The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has teamed up with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to dismantle the cartel behind the importation of 1,000 kilograms of cocaine seized at the PTML Terminal of Tincan Island Port, Lagos.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the shipment was discovered during the weekend by PTML terminal operators in an empty container, who immediately alerted port stakeholders, including the NDLEA, Customs, and other security agencies.
“Field tests confirmed the consignment contained cocaine, and it was formally transferred to NDLEA custody on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, for further investigation,” he added.
The handover followed strategic collaboration between NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), and the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi.
Valued at over $235 million (about N338 billion) on the international market, the seized Class A drug represents one of the largest cocaine hauls ever recovered at Tincan Port. The magnitude of the seizure prompted Marwa to involve NDLEA’s key international partners in the probe.
In response, officers from the US-DEA and UK-NCA have joined the investigation, bringing their expertise to trace the global network behind the shipment and identify the masterminds responsible for its importation.
Marwa underscored the importance of international cooperation, stating, “The essence of collaborating with our international partners on this case is to ensure no stone is left unturned and every gap is sufficiently covered so that ultimately we can bring all the masterminds of this huge consignment to book, wherever they are located across the globe.”
NDLEA reiterated its commitment to leveraging both domestic and international intelligence to dismantle the network behind the seizure.
“This operation demonstrates NDLEA’s determination to tackle organised drug trafficking and reinforce Nigeria’s position in the global fight against narcotics,” he said.
Authorities have urged port operators, shipping companies, and the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.