NDLEA drug smuggling network Lagos uncovered as operatives seize ketamine, ecstasy and ammunition in coordinated nationwide raids

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a suspected drug smuggling network after intercepting illicit substances concealed inside water purifier machines shipped from the Netherlands to Lagos, in a major nationwide crackdown on narcotics and arms trafficking.

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According to a statement issued on Sunday by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the seizure was made on May 26, 2026, at a courier facility in Lagos.

The NDLEA drug smuggling network Lagos operation led to the discovery of three kilograms of ketamine and 199 grams of MDMA, also known as ecstasy, carefully hidden within imported water purification equipment.

In separate operations across the country, NDLEA operatives recorded multiple arrests and significant seizures, including in Kaduna State where a couple, Musa Sunday and Mercy Sunday, alongside another suspect, Salomi Ezekiel, were arrested after 1,246 kilograms of skunk were recovered from their residence in the Gonin Gora area.

On the Abuja–Kaduna Highway, officers intercepted a suspect, Sunusi Musa, with 380 rounds of 7.62mm military-grade ammunition allegedly bound for Katsina State. The suspect and the ammunition were handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation.

In Niger State, a warehouse raid in Gidan Kukah, Bosso Local Government Area, led to the recovery of 457 kilograms of skunk, while another suspect, Godwin Zakka, was later arrested in connection with the seizure.

In Enugu State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial vehicle on the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway carrying 22,000 tramadol pills, 100 ampoules of pentazocine, and 200 grams of bromazepam. One suspect, James Maigari Wisdom, was arrested during the operation.

Beyond enforcement, the agency said it continues to intensify its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across schools, religious centres, workplaces, and communities nationwide.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the operations and urged sustained efforts to curb drug trafficking while strengthening public sensitisation.

He stressed the need to reduce both drug supply and demand as part of a broader national strategy to combat substance abuse and organised crime.

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The latest operations underscore what the agency describes as an escalating battle against sophisticated trafficking methods and cross-border criminal networks.