NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Dry Fish, Seizes Hard Drugs in UK-Bound Shipments and Arrests Suspects Nationwide

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a series of major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against illicit drug trafficking, intercepting a large consignment of cocaine concealed in the heads of imported dry stock fish. The NDLEA also recovered dangerous substances including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and morphine sulphate hidden in automobile parts bound for the United Kingdom, while arresting multiple suspects across several states, including an 80-year-old man in Ekiti.

These coordinated operations, carried out across Lagos and other parts of the country, highlight the evolving tactics of drug trafficking networks and the intensified efforts of law enforcement to dismantle them.

Major Cocaine Bust at Lagos Airport

The breakthrough seizure was made by NDLEA operatives attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Strategic Command following intelligence on a transnational drug trafficking syndicate. Acting on credible information, officers conducted a targeted operation in the Ojo area of Lagos on March 19, 2026.

During the operation, a suspect identified as Akputa Dickson Ejike, 36, was apprehended with three jumbo bags. A thorough search revealed 237 wraps of cocaine ingeniously concealed inside the heads of imported dry stock fish, locally known as “Okporoko.” The drugs, weighing 5.80 kilograms, were reportedly destined for export to Delhi, India.

Authorities described the concealment method as sophisticated, reflecting the increasing desperation of traffickers to evade detection. The arrest is believed to be a significant disruption to a network engaged in global drug distribution.

UK-Bound Drug Shipments Intercepted

In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation intercepted two illicit consignments at a Lagos-based courier company on March 25. The shipments were bound for the United Kingdom and had originated from Cotonou in the Benin Republic.

The first consignment contained 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden within automobile filters, while the second included 40 ampoules of morphine sulphate and nine ampoules of fentanyl. Officials noted that such concealment in everyday export items continues to pose a significant challenge to detection efforts.

The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to strengthening surveillance and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to combat the export of narcotics through logistics channels.

NDLEA Nationwide Raids Lead to Multiple Arrests

Beyond Lagos, NDLEA operations extended across several states, leading to multiple arrests and significant seizures. In Yaba, Lagos, operatives raided the residence of a suspected drug syndicate leader, Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, popularly known as “Iya Ghana.” She was arrested alongside an associate, with 135 blocks of a cannabis strain known as “Ghana Loud,” weighing 76.30 kilograms, recovered from the premises.

Additional arrests included Anayo Lucky Ohabiro in Surulere, Lagos, where 78 blocks of the same substance weighing 41 kilograms were seized. In Ekiti State, an 80-year-old suspect, Oke Samuel, was arrested with quantities of skunk and methamphetamine, underscoring the wide demographic involvement in drug-related activities.

Further operations in Ondo, Benue, Edo, and Taraba states resulted in the seizure of large quantities of cannabis and codeine-based syrup, as well as the interception of a truck transporting 135 kilograms of compressed skunk concealed in animal feed.

NDLEA Sustains Drug War and Public Awareness Campaigns

Alongside enforcement actions, the NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign nationwide. Sensitization programmes were conducted in schools across Cross River, Adamawa, Oyo, Kano, and Lagos states, targeting young people with education on the dangers of drug abuse.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers across various commands for their recent successes. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between reducing drug supply and addressing demand through preventive education.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining momentum in the fight against narcotics while fostering public awareness as a critical component of long-term success.