Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a joint investigation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) following the discovery of 1,000 kilograms of cocaine at the Tincan Port in Lagos. The consignment, valued at over ₦338 billion ($235 million), was found last weekend concealed in an empty container and formally handed over to the NDLEA on Tuesday, November 11, marking one of the country’s largest-ever narcotics seizures.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed that U.S. and British officers have joined Nigerian authorities to “unravel the cartel” behind the massive shipment. Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, chairman of the NDLEA, said the collaboration aims to ensure all perpetrators are identified and prosecuted globally.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has described Nigeria as a major narcotics transit hub in West Africa, with growing concerns over local production.