By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted cocaine concealed inside a local mortar and a backpack at a Lagos logistics company on July 30, 2026. The agency uncovered the drugs during routine export inspections before they could be shipped to China and Italy. According to the NDLEA, the operation aimed to stop international drug trafficking and strengthen border security.
Cocaine Concealed in Export Packages
Operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) carried out the successful operation on Thursday, July 30.
Officers discovered 250 grams of cocaine factory-fitted into the base of a local mortar packed inside a carton for export to China.
They also recovered 500 grams of cocaine hidden inside the false bottom of a backpack prepared for shipment to Italy.
The agency said the seizures prevented the illicit drugs from reaching international markets.
Rivers Drug Dealer Arrested with Multiple Narcotics
In Rivers State, NDLEA operatives arrested 38-year-old Ugo Gift Okonkwo, a suspected notorious drug dealer.
The arrest followed credible intelligence at Eagle Island, Port Harcourt, on Sunday, July 26.
During the operation, officers recovered various quantities of:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Swinol
- Tramadol
- Codeine syrup
The suspect remains in NDLEA custody for further investigation.
NDLEA Seizes 26,000 Bottles of Codeine in Anambra
In another operation, NDLEA officers stopped a truck during a stop-and-search exercise at the DMGS Roundabout in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The operation took place on Monday, July 27.
Officers discovered 26,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 3,960 kilograms inside the truck marked XK 131 BDG.
The agency arrested the driver, Chinedu Nwanze, 40, in connection with the seizure.
Delta, Nasarawa and Zamfara Operations Yield More Drug Seizures
Meanwhile, NDLEA officers recovered 331.84 kilograms of skunk from a Toyota Sienna bus with registration number KUJ 26 DV along the Kwale-Ughelli Expressway in Delta State on Sunday, July 26.
In Nasarawa State, operatives arrested 64-year-old Joseph Nwaeke on Tuesday, July 28.
The suspect was found with:
- 68 kilograms of skunk
- 29 grams of methamphetamine
The arrest occurred at Asso Angwan Muazu in the Karu area.
Similarly, NDLEA operatives on patrol along the Zaria-Gusau Highway in Zamfara intercepted 27-year-old Sani Umar on Monday, July 27.
Officers recovered 7,400 tablets of Tramadol 225mg, which they suspect were meant for criminal groups.
NDLEA Expands Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign
Beyond enforcement, the agency intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign nationwide.
During the past week, NDLEA officials conducted sensitisation programmes at several locations, including:
- Hausawa Special Primary School, Kano
- Royal Crown School, Oluyole, Ibadan
- Government Secondary School, Ibi, Taraba State
- Challenge Bus Terminal Park, Ibadan
The campaign targeted students, teachers, transport workers and community members to promote drug abuse prevention.
Marwa Commends Officers
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), praised officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations and commands in Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Nasarawa and Zamfara.
He urged personnel across the country to sustain the agency’s balanced approach, combining aggressive drug enforcement with public awareness campaigns to curb drug abuse and trafficking.
