The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has uncovered 1,000 kg of cocaine at the PTML terminal of the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.
The agency said it is working with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to uncover those behind the importation.
The cocaine, valued at “over $235 million (about N338 billion)”, was discovered last weekend in an empty container, after port operators noticed suspicious packages and invited relevant security agencies including the NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service for a joint inspection.
According to a statement on Tuesday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, field tests conducted by officers confirmed the substance to be cocaine.
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“The consignment was formally transferred to NDLEA custody for further investigation on Tuesday 11th November 2025 following collaborative engagements between the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) and the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi,” the statement reads.
He said the consignment is the largest single seizure of cocaine ever recorded at Tincan Island Port.
Babafemi said the consignment was formally handed over to the NDLEA on Tuesday.
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“As a result of the large quantity of the recovered Class A drug which is worth over $235million dollars (Over N338 billion) in international market and the global dimension to the cocaine cartel, Marwa on Tuesday 11th November directed that the Agency’s leading international partners be involved in the investigation,” the statement reads.
Officers from the US-DEA and UK-NCA have now joined NDLEA operatives in Lagos to trace the cartel believed to be behind the shipment.
“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,” Babafemi said.
He added that the cooperation followed “personal excellent engagement” with the customs chief.
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