NDLEA destroys largest ever seizure, set 1.6m kilograms of illicit drugs ablaze

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed a massive haul of illicit drugs, totaling approximately 1.6 million kilograms of assorted substances seized across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states.

This marks the largest volume of illicit drugs ever set ablaze in a single operation in the agency’s history.

The public destruction took place on Saturday at an isolated location in Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. The event was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, security agencies, international partners, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders, among others.

Among the drugs destroyed were 123 kilograms of cocaine, 46.8 kilograms of heroin, 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis, 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup, 3,244.26 kilograms of tramadol, 1,544 kilograms of skuchies, and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine, according to NDLEA spokesperson, Mr. Femi Babafemi.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd), emphasized that the exercise demonstrates the agency’s unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking in Nigeria. He stated, “The sheer volume of seizures, which totals approximately 1.6 million kilograms, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed.”

He further warned drug traffickers, declaring that there will be no safe haven for them in Nigeria. “To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them that times have changed. The administration of President Bola Tinubu remains steadfast in its commitment to providing the leadership and political will required to eradicate this menace,” he added.

Marwa also highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to hold criminals accountable, noting that in the past four years, the NDLEA has successfully prosecuted and convicted 10,572 offenders, many of whom are now serving prison sentences.

The public destruction of the illicit drugs was justified by the NDLEA as a measure of transparency and accountability. Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, Director of Assets and Financial Investigation at NDLEA, who represented Marwa at the event, explained, “The rationale is simple: to show transparency and accountability. By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking.”

He added that the process is forensic and based on evidence, with random laboratory tests confirming the authenticity of the seized items. The drugs are destroyed only after the cases related to them have been concluded, including arrests and successful prosecutions.