The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the dismantling of two major drug cartels connected to six cocaine consignments destined for the United Kingdom, following a series of coordinated raids across Lagos State.
According to a statement released by the agency on Sunday, the successful operations were carried out after weeks of intensive surveillance and intelligence-led investigations into international drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi disclosed that the anti-narcotics agency intercepted the cocaine shipments concealed within various export goods prepared for shipment to the UK. He added that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizures, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend others linked to the cartel’s operations.
“These operations are part of our renewed offensive against transnational drug trafficking organizations using Nigeria as a transit point,” Babafemi said. “The NDLEA remains committed to disrupting all supply chains and ensuring that drug lords are brought to justice.”
The statement further confirmed that the two dismantled cartels had previously attempted to traffic cocaine through Lagos’ export channels, taking advantage of courier companies and seaport facilities before NDLEA operatives closed in on them.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), commended the officers involved in the successful operation and reaffirmed the agency’s determination to maintain Nigeria’s integrity in the global fight against narcotics.
“With these arrests and seizures, we are sending a clear message to criminal syndicates that Nigeria will never be a safe route for their illicit trade,” Marwa stated.
The latest bust comes amid intensified NDLEA operations targeting drug cartels with international links, including recent seizures of heroin, methamphetamine, and other narcotics at Nigeria’s major airports and seaports.