NDLEA Partners US-DEA, UK-NCA to Track Global Cartel Behind Record 1,000kg Cocaine Seizure at Lagos Port
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a joint investigation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to uncover the international cartel behind the importation of a staggering 1,000 kilograms of cocaine intercepted at the PTML Terminal of Tincan Island Port in Lagos.
The massive haul, which has been described as one of the largest single seizures of cocaine in Nigeria’s maritime history, was first discovered by operators of the PTML Terminal who spotted suspicious items in an empty container last weekend.
Acting swiftly, they alerted key port stakeholders including officials of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other security agencies for a joint examination.
A field test conducted by NDLEA operatives confirmed the substance to be cocaine, prompting the immediate transfer of the consignment into NDLEA custody for further investigation.
The formal handover took place on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, following close collaboration between the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Adewale Adeniyi.
Given the sheer scale of the seizure – valued at over $235 million (approximately N338 billion) on the international market – and its implications for global narcotics trafficking networks, Marwa directed that the NDLEA’s leading international partners be invited to join the probe.
According to NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, officers from both the US-DEA and UK-NCA have since joined the Nigerian team to assist in the ongoing investigation, which is expected to trace the origin, logistics, and masterminds behind the illicit shipment.
In his reaction to the development, Brig Gen Marwa reaffirmed his agency’s commitment to ensuring that all those involved in the criminal operation – both within and outside Nigeria – are apprehended and prosecuted.
“The essence of collaborating with our international partners on this case is to ensure no stone is left unturned and every gap is sufficiently covered so that ultimately, we can get all the masterminds of this huge consignment brought to book wherever they are located across the globe,” Marwa stated.
He also commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive cooperation, adding that the synergy between both agencies demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in tackling transnational organised crime.
The seizure marks another milestone in NDLEA’s intensified crackdown on drug cartels attempting to exploit Nigeria’s ports and borders for illicit trafficking.
It further underscores the agency’s strategic partnerships with foreign counterparts in the ongoing global war against narcotics.
