Nigeria’s Anti-Drug Agency Makes Major Busts, Seizes Drugs Hidden in Coffee and Books, Arrests 22 Crew Members
LAGOS, Nigeria — In a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks, Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced twin major interdictions, uncovering illicit drugs ingeniously concealed in commercial goods and seizing a large cocaine shipment from a merchant ship.
The agency reported intercepting large quantities of ketamine, ecstasy, and tramadol pills destined for markets in Zambia and the United Kingdom. The drugs were discovered hidden inside sealed sachets of instant coffee mix and within the pages of book parcels, a method designed to evade routine inspections.
In a separate but related operation at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, NDLEA officers conducted a rigorous search of a merchant ship, leading to the discovery of 31.5 kilograms of cocaine carefully concealed in the vessel’s hatch three. The bust resulted in the detention of 22 Indian nationals who were serving as crew members on the ship. They are now being held for investigation regarding their alleged involvement in the transnational smuggling operation.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman of the NDLEA, described the operations as a critical victory. “These interceptions underscore the sophisticated and daring tactics employed by drug trafficking syndicates and the unwavering commitment of the NDLEA to disrupt their operations,” a statement from the agency read. It further emphasized that the successful busts highlight Nigeria’s proactive role in combating the global drug trade, which often uses the country’s ports as a transit hub.
The discovery of drugs within everyday consumer items like coffee sachets points to a trend of traffickers using creative concealment methods to bypass security. The agency has warned businesses and logistics companies to enhance their vigilance.
The dual seizures have been hailed as a major crackdown, disrupting supply chains meant for destinations across Africa and Europe. Investigations are ongoing, with the NDLEA stating it is working with international partners to trace the networks behind the smuggling attempts.
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