Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered a drug trafficking network that concealed cocaine inside tins of palm kernel extract intended for export to the United Kingdom, leading to the arrest of several suspects, including the alleged kingpin in Lagos.
The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, revealed that the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement efforts.
The breakthrough came on March 11, 2026, when NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport intercepted 3.10 kilograms of cocaine concealed within packaged tins at the export section. Two suspects linked to the shipment were immediately taken into custody.
Further investigation led to the arrest of the sender on April 2 during a follow-up operation. His capture helped authorities track down the suspected leader of the syndicate, who was later apprehended at a hideout in Isolo, Lagos.
A subsequent raid on a warehouse connected to the group uncovered hundreds of empty tins prepared for drug concealment, along with equipment used in the operation. Investigators say the suspect admitted to removing the oil content of the tins to hide illicit substances.
In a separate operation in Borno State, a 28-year-old woman was arrested along the Gamboru Ngala road with 4.3 kilograms of a potent synthetic cannabis strain known as “Colorado,” believed to be supplied to criminal groups in the region.
Back in Lagos, a pastor and his wife were also arrested at a checkpoint in Badagry after officers discovered 11 kilograms of skunk hidden in compartments of their vehicle. Their arrest followed the earlier capture of another suspect along the same route with a larger quantity of the drug.
NDLEA operations across other states also yielded significant seizures. In Adamawa State, officers intercepted a truck carrying thousands of tramadol pills, leading to multiple arrests. Additional recoveries were made in Osun, Ondo, Benue, and Edo states, where large quantities of cannabis and other substances were seized.
In Oyo State, a suspect was arrested in Ibadan after intelligence reports indicated she allegedly used her young daughter to distribute drugs. A substantial quantity of skunk was recovered from her residence.
Meanwhile, the agency said its War Against Drug Abuse campaign continues nationwide, with awareness programmes held in schools across several states.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers for the successful operations, noting that the arrests reflect improved intelligence and ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks across the country.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, regardless of the tactics employed by criminal groups.
