NDLEA Apprehends 38 Suspects, Seizes Massive Drug Haul in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended 38 suspects and seized a staggering 339,576.91 kilograms of illicit drugs in Lagos during 2024. The operation highlights the agency’s ongoing commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.

The NDLEA Tincan Island Port Strategic Command in Lagos announced the achievements during a news briefing held on Thursday. Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju provided a detailed breakdown of the operation’s outcomes, revealing that the drugs seized included codeine, tapentadol, tafradol, benzhexol, cannabis indica, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. The estimated street value of these drugs is around N134.2 billion, underscoring the scale of the operation and the potential impact on the drug market.

Commander Ofoyeju emphasized the strategic importance of the Tincan Island Port in drug interdiction efforts. “This underscores the crucial role of the NDLEA in the seaport. These operations have not only disrupted drug supply chains but have also significantly promoted public health and safety,” he stated. The command also reported winning 12 convictions while 26 cases are still pending in the courts, showcasing the agency’s legal follow-through on these arrests.

The drugs were seized in various operations throughout the year, with the NDLEA maintaining vigilance over the port to prevent the importation and distribution of narcotics. The agency’s work has not only been about enforcement but also about community outreach, with efforts in drug demand reduction through counseling, rehabilitation, and public awareness campaigns.

The NDLEA’s activities in Lagos reflect a broader national strategy against drug abuse and trafficking, with the agency gaining commendation for its robust approach. This operation is part of a series of successful crackdowns by the NDLEA, which has been intensifying its efforts across Nigeria in recent years, leading to significant arrests and drug seizures.

The Commander also announced an annual award to recognize and reward the best-performing officers, highlighting the importance of morale and motivation within the ranks. This initiative, along with the launch of the Tincan Strategic Command quarterly newsletter, aims to enhance transparency, share successes, and keep stakeholders informed about ongoing efforts and future initiatives.

This operation serves as a stern warning to drug cartels operating within Nigeria and those attempting to use Nigerian ports as transit points for their illicit activities. The NDLEA, under its current leadership, continues to pledge relentless pursuit of those involved in drug trafficking, ensuring that Lagos and Nigeria at large remain inhospitable to such crimes.

The agency calls for continued support from the public and cooperation from other law enforcement bodies to make Nigeria drug-free. As the fight against drug trafficking intensifies, the NDLEA’s actions in Lagos are a testament to the agency’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s future from the scourge of narcotics.