NDLEA, US, UK Collaborate to Trace Cartel Behind ₦338bn Cocaine Haul

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a joint investigation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA) to uncover those responsible for importing 1,000 kilogrammes of cocaine worth over $235 million (approximately ₦338 billion). The consignment was intercepted at the PTML Terminal, Tincan Island Port, Lagos.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, operators at the terminal discovered the drug-laden shipment inside an empty container and immediately notified port authorities, including the NDLEA and Nigeria Customs Service, leading to a joint inspection. Field tests confirmed the substance as cocaine, after which it was taken into NDLEA custody on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Babafemi stated that the NDLEA is collaborating with international partners to trace the cartel behind the massive importation. The interception, he noted, represents the largest single cocaine seizure ever recorded at the Tincan Port.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), explained that the involvement of the US DEA and UK NCA was prompted by the magnitude of the discovery and the suspected global reach of the syndicate. Officers from both agencies have since joined the investigation.

The NDLEA also confirmed the recent arrest of several drug suspects, including a wanted drug baron, Yussuf Azeez, apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on November 6, 2025, while attempting to board a flight to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.

Within the last 30 months, the NDLEA has seized over 8.5 million kilogrammes of drugs, arrested 45,853 suspects, and secured 9,263 convictions nationwide.