The Apapa Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 13 containers loaded with illicit drugs and secured fines exceeding $12 million against two international vessels within one year.
The Commander of Narcotics, Tukur Mohammed, disclosed this during the grand finale of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Lagos.
According to him, the command intercepted and seized the 13 containers between June 2025 and June 2026 as part of intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking through the nation’s seaports.
Mohammed said the command also secured convictions and fines of over $12 million against two international vessels involved in drug trafficking, alongside a three-year jail term without the option of a fine for a male drug offender.
He revealed that the seizures included about 162.47 tonnes of codeine-based syrup, 77 kilograms of cocaine recovered from three international vessels, 8.1 tonnes of cannabis indica, and approximately 1.5 tonnes of cannabis sativa.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s commemoration, “The World Drug Problem: Persistent Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Mohammed said the observance underscored the collective responsibility to tackle the evolving threats of drug trafficking and substance abuse.
He noted that illicit drug activities continue to undermine economic development, fuel insecurity, weaken communities and threaten the future of Nigeria’s youth, stressing the need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to combat the menace.
