Apapa NDLEA intercepts 13 drug containers in one year

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Apapa Strategic Command, has disclosed that it secured fines exceeding $12m against two international vessels and a three-year conviction for one male drug convict without the option of a fine between June 2025 and June 2026.

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This is even as the command said it intercepted 13 containers carrying various illicit substances between June 2025 and June 2026. The Commander of Narcotics, Apapa Strategic Command, Tukur Mohammed, disclosed this on Friday in Lagos while speaking during the grand finale of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

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This year’s event, themed “The World Drug Problem: Persistent Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” was organised by the Apapa and Tincan Island Strategic Commands of the NDLEA.

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“From June 2025 to June 2026, the Command intercepted and seized a total of 13 containers containing various illicit substances. Within the period under review, Apapa Strategic Command secured convictions/fines of over $12m on two international vessels, and a three-year conviction for one male drug convict without the option of a fine,” Mohammed added.

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Giving details of the intervention, Mohammed highlighted that codeine-based syrup weighing approximately 162,471.445kg (about 162.47 tonnes) was among the illicit substances seized.

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“Others include cocaine weighing 77kg recovered from three international vessels, cannabis indica weighing 8,107.5kg (about 8.1 tonnes), and cannabis sativa weighing about 1.5 tonnes, respectively,” he added.

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Speaking at the event, he explained that the observance serves as a reminder of the collective responsibilities “we share in confronting the evolving challenges associated with drug trafficking and substance abuse. Beyond the immediate health concerns, illicit drug activities continue to undermine economic progress, contribute to insecurity, weaken communities, and threaten the future of our younger generation.”

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According to him, the occasion therefore provides an avenue not only to reflect on the impact of the world drug problem but also to strengthen collaboration, explore innovative approaches, improve preventive measures, and reinforce the agency’s commitment to building a society free from the influence of illicit drugs.

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Mohammed stressed that the theme of the event draws attention to the changing nature of the global drug challenges and the need for adaptive, evidence-based, and coordinated solutions.

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“The reality before us is that while significant progress has been made in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, new challenges continue to emerge,” he stated.

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He pointed out that organised criminal networks are constantly adopting new methods of operation, exploiting technological advancements, and identifying new routes for the movement of illicit drugs.

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This, according to him, requires a stronger commitment to intelligence-driven operations, collaboration, coordination, public awareness, and innovative strategies that address both supply and demand reduction.

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Mohammed maintained that the event forms part of the broader awareness campaign under the NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse initiative, designed to extend the message of prevention beyond enforcement operations and into communities, schools, institutions, and workplaces.

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Mohammed reiterated that the arrests and seizures reflect “our continued determination in coordination and collaboration with key law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Navy, the Police, and other stakeholders, to prevent the use of Nigerian maritime gateways as channels for illicit drug supply.”

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Mohammed noted that while acknowledging the importance of the maritime sector as a pillar of international commerce and national economic development, “we must equally remain conscious of the attempts by criminal networks to exploit this environment for unlawful activities.”

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He added that the ports and maritime corridors must remain secure spaces dedicated to legitimate trade and not become avenues for the movement of substances capable of damaging lives and destabilising communities.

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“However, through intelligence-led operations, public awareness, strong partnerships, technological advancement, and innovative responsive measures, we can confront emerging threats, disrupt the cycle of drug trafficking and abuse, to create a safer environment for present and future generations,” Mohammed said.

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Also speaking, the Commander of the Tincan Island Strategic Command of the NDLEA, Solomon Gbadebo, urged governments at all levels, law enforcement agencies, health professionals, communities, social workers, and every leader to work collaboratively in reducing drug demand and disrupting drug supply.

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“You all believe that if there is no drug demand, there won’t be a supply. Then we need to promote recovery efforts, and that’s what we do to see the establishment of rehabilitation centres,” he added.

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