The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced a joint investigation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) following the interception of 1,000 kilograms of cocaine valued at over ₦338 billion at the PTML Terminal, Tincan Island Port, Lagos.
According to a statement issued by the NDLEA on Tuesday, the massive consignment of the illicit substance was discovered inside an empty container at the port over the weekend. Terminal operators reportedly alerted the NDLEA and other security agencies, prompting a coordinated inspection of the container.
Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the white substance as cocaine, leading to its official handover to the NDLEA on Tuesday.
Given the magnitude of the seizure, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd), directed immediate collaboration with the agency’s international partners to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
“The essence of collaborating with our international partners on this case is to ensure no stone is left unturned so that ultimately, all masterminds behind this huge consignment are identified and brought to justice, regardless of their location,” Marwa stated.
The ongoing probe aims to trace the transnational network responsible for the shipment and to hold all involved parties accountable under Nigerian and international drug control laws.
This development marks one of the largest cocaine seizures in Nigeria’s history, reinforcing the NDLEA’s commitment to intensifying global cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking
