Nigeria’s anti-drug agency has reported a series of major seizures and arrests, including the discovery of cocaine hidden inside imported stockfish in Lagos.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said the operation followed intelligence on a cross-border trafficking network involved in smuggling illicit substances to international destinations.
In a statement on Sunday, the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said officers recovered 5.80 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in dried fish heads during a targeted operation.
“The concealment method shows the lengths traffickers go to evade detection, but we remain proactive in identifying and dismantling such networks,” Mr Babafemi said.
A 36-year-old suspect described as a key figure in the syndicate was arrested in connection with the seizure. The NDLEA said the drugs were packaged in multiple wraps and were intended for export to India.
The agency also reported additional interceptions involving shipments bound for the United Kingdom. These included methamphetamine hidden in automobile parts, as well as restricted pharmaceutical drugs.
Further enforcement actions in Lagos led to the arrest of suspected drug distributors and the seizure of significant quantities of cannabis. Officials said the suspects are believed to be linked to a wider cross-border distribution network.
Beyond Lagos, operations in Ekiti, Ondo, Benue, Edo, and Taraba states resulted in additional arrests and the recovery of large volumes of illicit substances.
Mr Babafemi said the agency is intensifying its nationwide operations as part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking. “We are strengthening both enforcement and preventive measures to curb drug abuse and trafficking across the country,” he said.
The NDLEA has urged members of the public to support its efforts by providing credible information, noting that community cooperation remains vital in tackling drug-related crimes.
