NDLEA, US-DEA, UK-NCA launch joint probe into $235m cocaine seizure at Lagos port
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it is working with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA) to uncover the cartel behind the importation of 1,000 kilograms of cocaine intercepted at the PTML Terminal of the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.
According to the agency, the consignment — estimated to be worth over $235 million (about N338 billion) in the international market — was discovered in an empty container at the weekend by PTML operators, who promptly alerted port stakeholders, including the NDLEA, Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies.
Field tests by NDLEA officers later confirmed the substance to be cocaine.
Following joint engagements between Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, and Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller-general of customs, the seized consignment was transferred to the NDLEA’s custody on Tuesday, November 11, for further investigation.
Given the scale and international dimensions of the case, Marwa directed that the agency’s global partners be brought into the probe.
In response, operatives from the US-DEA and UK-NCA have already joined the ongoing investigation, which NDLEA described as the largest single cocaine seizure at Tincan Port.
“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,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA added that the joint operation underscores the strong cooperation between Nigerian and international law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational drug trafficking.
