Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency has launched an international investigation with the United States and United Kingdom following the discovery of 1,000 kilograms of cocaine at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos — one of the largest drug seizures in the country’s history. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) confirmed on Tuesday that the cocaine, valued at over ₦338 billion ($235 million), was found hidden inside an empty shipping container over the weekend. “In a swift response to our request, officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.K. National Crime Agency (NCA) have already joined the ongoing investigation,” said NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi.
The consignment was formally handed over to the NDLEA on Tuesday by port operators who made the initial discovery. NDLEA chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) said the agency was determined to track down the international cartel responsible for the shipment. “We are collaborating with our global partners to ensure that no stone is left unturned and that all the masterminds of this consignment are brought to justice, wherever they may be,” Marwa stated. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) identifies Nigeria as a major transit hub for cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine smuggling routes between Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Lagos ports including Tincan and Apapa have been focal points for major narcotics interceptions in recent years. In 2022, the NDLEA seized 1.8 tonnes of cocaine worth over $278 million in a Lagos warehouse, leading to multiple arrests and heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s maritime routes. Authorities say the latest bust underscores the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking networks operating across West Africa and the urgent need for sustained international cooperation.
