The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs estimated at N301.058 billion in Lagos.
The substances, destroyed on Monday in compliance with orders of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, comprised cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis strains including Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaves.
NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the exercise followed the conclusion of uncontested cases involving seized narcotics, as well as the disposal of drugs that had been abandoned.
He disclosed that 246,864.535kg of the drugs were confiscated by the agency’s Lagos Strategic Command between April 2025 and May 2026.
The remaining 83,001.05kg were recovered through operations by the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, the Marine Command and a Special Operations Unit operating in Lagos.
Speaking during the destruction, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), described the exercise as evidence of the Federal Government’s determination to protect Nigerians and disrupt the operations of drug-trafficking networks.
Marwa said the seized substances represented more than illegal commodities, warning that every kilogramme destroyed could have otherwise contributed to addiction, crime and social instability.
According to him, illicit drug abuse places additional pressure on the healthcare system, weakens the workforce, discourages investment and diverts public resources from critical sectors such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.
He also stressed that drug trafficking remained connected to wider security threats, noting that proceeds from the illicit trade could be used to finance organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism.
The NDLEA chairman commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the agency’s operations and acknowledged the contributions of the judiciary, Lagos State Government, military, other security agencies, international partners, civil society groups, traditional institutions, the media and members of the public.
He equally praised NDLEA personnel for their commitment and sacrifices in tackling drug trafficking across Lagos and the country.
Marwa warned drug barons, financiers, traffickers, distributors and dealers against assuming they could continue to operate undetected.
He said the agency would intensify efforts to identify and dismantle criminal networks and their financial structures.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the destruction of nearly 330 tonnes of narcotics and psychotropic substances as a disturbing indication of the magnitude of the drug problem confronting communities.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the exercise also demonstrated the impact of collaboration among law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and government.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to tackling drug abuse and trafficking.
Also speaking, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commended the NDLEA for its efforts and said the destruction represented a major setback for drug dealers.
Adeniyi noted that the seized drugs were recovered through operations at seaports, airports and land borders, describing the exercise as a strong warning that Nigeria would not provide a safe haven for drug traffickers.
He further linked the proceeds of drug trafficking to the activities of bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, insurgents and terrorists.
The Customs chief said the destruction would deprive criminal groups of billions of naira in potential revenue and weaken their ability to finance violent activities.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, also pledged continued support for the NDLEA and its efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.