The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted consignments of high-potency illicit drugs concealed inside water purifier machines shipped from the Netherlands to Lagos, while also seizing more than 1.7 tonnes of narcotics in coordinated operations across Kaduna, Niger, and Enugu states.
- +NDLEA seizes 1.7 tonnes of drugs, intercepts ecstasy shipped from Netherlands
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday May 31, by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday May 31, by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
According to the statement, operatives uncovered 3 kilograms of ketamine and 199 grams of MDMA, popularly known as Ecstasy, hidden inside water purifier machines at a courier company in Lagos on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
The seizures formed part of a series of intelligence-led operations conducted nationwide, which also led to the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of large quantities of cannabis and other controlled substances.
The agency said the operations underscore its continued efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent illicit substances from reaching communities across the country.
According to the NDLEA, the suspect and the ammunition have been transferred to the appropriate security agency for further investigation and action.
While commending officers involved in the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised their efforts in reducing drug supply across the country.
He also urged personnel nationwide to sustain the momentum and intensify both enforcement and public sensitisation campaigns against drug abuse.
A breakdown of the seizures shows that cannabis, commonly known as skunk, accounted for the largest share of the narcotics recovered during the operations.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 22,000 tramadol pills, 100 ampoules of pentazocine, and 200 grams of bromazepam, while a suspect identified as James Maigari Wisdom was arrested.
Beyond enforcement activities, the agency continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign through sensitisation programmes conducted in schools and communities across Cross River, Taraba, Lagos, and Anambra states.
The latest seizures are part of a broader crackdown by the NDLEA on drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria.
The enforcement drive also included the interception of 3,398 cartons of codeine syrup worth N3.39 billion at a Nigerian port in March, while authorities dismantled a major opioid trafficking syndicate in Lagos in November 2025, recovering drugs valued at N6.7 billion.
