Nigeria, US and UK agencies probe $235 million cocaine seizure at Lagos port

International Seizures Nigeria Seizures

Posted by TGANB-Admin on 2025-11-26 06:55:42 |

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In what has been described as one of the largest drug hauls in the country’s history, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced that 1,000 kg of cocaine — with an estimated street value of about US $235 million (≈ ₦338 billion) — was discovered in an empty container at the terminal of Tincan Port, Lagos.

Terminal operators alerted port security over the weekend to a suspicious container; joint inspection by port and security agencies confirmed the illicit substance. Following formal handover and laboratory verification, the shipment was officially seized. The NDLEA said it was coordinating with the Drug Enforcement Administration (USA) and National Crime Agency (UK) — who have joined the investigation. The involvement of international partners underscores the transnational nature of the trafficking network.

The NDLEA chairman said no stone will be left unturned and pledged to trace and apprehend the masterminds — whether within Nigeria or abroad. The seizure marks a major blow to drug cartels using Nigeria as a transit or entry hub. Observers noted that such a huge seizure could disrupt supply chains, but cautioned that unless root causes — corruption, weak enforcement at ports, and organised networks — are addressed, traffickers may adapt their routes. The announcement sent shockwaves through the maritime and security community, highlighting the scale and sophistication of the narcotics trade through Nigeria’s ports.

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