National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced on Tuesday that it is working with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to investigate the cartel behind the importation of 1,000 kilograms of cocaine seized at the PTML Terminal of Tincan Island Port, Lagos.
NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said the seizure was discovered last weekend by PTML operators, who noticed the consignment in an empty container and invited port stakeholders, including NDLEA, Customs, and other security agencies, for joint examination.
After field tests confirmed the shipment to be cocaine, the consignment was formally transferred to NDLEA custody for further investigation on Tuesday, 11 November 2025.
The operation followed collaborative engagements between NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) and the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr Adewale Adeniyi.
Daily source observed that due to the large quantity of the recovered Class A drug, valued at over $235 million (approximately N338 billion) on the international market, and the global dimension of the cocaine cartel, NDLEA directed that leading international partners be involved in the investigation.
Officers from the US-DEA and UK-NCA have already joined the probe, focusing on ensuring all aspects of the operation are covered and that the masterminds behind the consignment are brought to justice worldwide.
The collaboration aims to ensure that every perpetrator of the massive drug consignment is held accountable, regardless of location.
