N338 Billion Cocaine Seized at Lagos Port, NDLEA Teams Up with US, UK to Crack Cartel

In one of Nigeria’s largest drug busts, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized a massive 1,000-kilogram shipment of cocaine valued at over N338 billion ($235 million) at the PTML Terminal of Tincan Island Port, Lagos. The seizure, detected in an empty container last weekend by port operators, has sparked a high-profile international investigation involving key foreign partners.

Following the discovery, NDLEA, Nigeria Customs, and other security stakeholders conducted a joint examination, with NDLEA field tests confirming the consignment as cocaine. The shipment was formally placed under NDLEA custody on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after collaborative discussions between NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) and the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi.

Given the unprecedented scale and global dimension of the case, Brigadier General Marwa quickly called for the engagement of the agency’s leading international allies. In response, officers from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) have now joined the ongoing investigation. The collaboration aims to dismantle the international cartel responsible for orchestrating the illicit importation of this massive cocaine shipment.

ADVERTISEMENT

Marwa emphasized the importance of thorough cooperation with foreign agencies, stating that the objective is to leave “no stone unturned” and close every investigative gap. The ultimate goal is to identify and bring to justice all masterminds behind the cartel, wherever they may be located worldwide.

This seizure stands as one of the largest single cocaine busts recorded at Tincan Island Port and marks a significant escalation in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking networks operating through the country’s maritime ports.

The case continues to develop as NDLEA leads the complex probe with strong backing from both US and UK enforcement bodies to trace the cartel and prevent future illicit drug trafficking attempts through Nigerian ports.