NDLEA Destroys 329,865kg of Illicit Drugs Worth Over N301bn in Lagos

 NDLEA Destroys 329,865kg of Illicit Drugs Worth Over N301bn in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs and psychotropic substances with an estimated street value of more than N301 billion, in a major demonstration of Nigeria’s renewed war against drug trafficking and abuse.

The destruction exercise, conducted in Lagos in accordance with the provisions of Nigerian law, involved narcotics and controlled substances forfeited to the Federal Government after being intercepted at seaports, airports and land borders.

The destroyed consignments included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis varieties such as Canadian Loud and Skunk, ephedrine, tramadol and codeine-based syrup.

Speaking at the exercise, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the scale of the destruction underscored the magnitude of the threat posed by illicit drugs to Nigeria’s security, economy and future.

He said the agency remained committed to ensuring that seized narcotics were permanently removed from circulation rather than allowing them to find their way back to the streets.

The exercise was witnessed by senior officials of the Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Navy, Lagos State Government and other security and judicial institutions, reflecting the increasing emphasis on inter-agency collaboration in combating organised crime.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, said the destruction was particularly significant because proceeds from illicit drug trafficking could provide the financial resources used by criminal organisations to sustain violent activities.

According to him, the removal of the seized substances from circulation would deprive criminal networks of the “oxygen” required to fund their operations.

Adeniyi also highlighted the Memorandum of Understanding between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA, describing intelligence sharing and joint operations as critical to the successful interception of illicit consignments.

He said the continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies was necessary to prevent drug traffickers from exploiting Nigeria’s borders and transportation networks.

The Nigerian Navy also reaffirmed its support for the NDLEA in the fight against drug trafficking, particularly through the interception of vessels suspected of transporting illicit substances and the provision of security during sensitive operations.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, said drug abuse had far-reaching socioeconomic consequences, including reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, crime and social dislocation.

He noted that intercepting large consignments of illicit drugs before they reached communities was therefore not only a law-enforcement responsibility but also an important economic and public welfare intervention.

Representing Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Mrs Hundeyin commended the NDLEA, Nigerian Navy and other security and judicial institutions for their diligence and cooperation in bringing about the destruction of the seized drugs.

She described the quantity of narcotics destroyed as a sobering reminder of the enormity of the drug threat facing Nigerian communities, particularly young people.

According to her, the exercise demonstrated that when government institutions unite around a common objective, the law becomes more than an instrument of enforcement, as commitments are matched with concrete action and partnerships are backed by resources.

She said Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub and one of Africa’s largest and most densely populated urban centres, had a special responsibility to lead the campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.

“Lagos State is unwavering in its resolve to confront drug abuse and trafficking, and we will not relent in our efforts,” she said.

She added that the state government would continue to strengthen public enlightenment, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and support programmes for people affected by substance abuse.

The NDLEA further warned drug barons and members of criminal networks that the era of operating with impunity was over, stressing that the agency would continue to pursue traffickers and dismantle their networks.

The agency also disclosed plans to strengthen its operational capacity through the provision of additional arms, ammunition and operational vehicles to support officers working across the country.

The stakeholders called on parents, schools, religious organisations, community leaders and the media to play more active roles in preventing drug abuse and trafficking, while urging members of the public to report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

They stressed that the fight against illicit drugs requires sustained cooperation between government agencies and communities to protect Nigeria’s youth, strengthen national security and safeguard the country’s economic future.

The exercise ended with a symbolic reaffirmation of the collective resolve of the agencies and stakeholders to rid Nigeria of the menace of illicit drugs.