The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, intercepting over six million pills of opioids, including tamol, tapentadol, and carisoprodol, along with 332,000 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, at the Ports of Rivers and Lagos, with a combined street value of N6.5 billion (₦6,524,000,000.00).

These substantial seizures were made at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State, and the Apapa seaport in Lagos, following intelligence reports that prompted the agency to intensify scrutiny of containers linked to drug trafficking routes. The operations resulted in the discovery of six million opioid pills and 162,000 bottles of codeine syrup from two containers in Port Harcourt on May 19 and 20, 2025. Additionally, a further 170,000 bottles of codeine syrup were discovered on May 22 at the Apapa port.

In a separate operation, two British nationals, Mhizha Jordan Alexander Tatendra and Ayedipe Andrew Adejuwon, alongside Nigerians Shonowo Oluwaseun Imole and Ofuoma Omokaro Ayobami, were arrested after attempting to smuggle 92 bags of Loud cannabis, weighing 51.10kg, through Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. The operation, which occurred on May 15, 2025, involved monitoring Alexander as he arrived on a Qatar Airlines flight from Doha. After allowing him to evade initial security checks, NDLEA operatives arrested him and his accomplices in a vehicle at the airport.

During a subsequent raid of their Lekki apartment, additional evidence was uncovered, including substantial cash in different currencies and various electronic devices.

Back in Cross River and Edo states, NDLEA operatives destroyed 77,000 kilograms of skunk on expansive cannabis farms. Recent seizures also included 4,000 kilograms of skunk in Nasarawa State and various arrests across the nation, including significant interceptions of psychoactive substances like tramadol, diazepam, and cannabis.

The NDLEA also continues its advocacy efforts against drug abuse through community sensitization programs, engaging with schools and local leaders nationwide.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, commended the efforts of all agency operatives involved in these operations, emphasizing their commitment to both reducing drug supply and addressing drug demand across Nigeria.