NDLEA Intercepts N3.4 Billion Worth of Opioids Hidden in Chocolate Tins at Lagos Port
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a massive consignment of illicit drugs concealed in chocolate tins at the Tincan Port Complex in Lagos.
The seizure, which included opioids valued at over ₦3.4 billion, marks one of the agency’s most significant drug busts in recent times.
According to NDLEA officials, the operation followed actionable intelligence that led to the surveillance of three suspicious containers at the port.
Acting swiftly, the agency requested a 100% joint examination with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security operatives. The examination, conducted on September 17, 2024, revealed the concealed shipment.
During the inspection, officers uncovered 25 million pills of tapentadol—an extremely potent synthetic opioid said to be three times stronger than tramadol—hidden in 500 cartons. Additionally, 875 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, falsely labeled as Barcadin, were found. In total, 350,000 bottles of the syrup were confiscated.
NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, stated that the street value of the seized substances could exceed ₦16 billion. However, authorities estimate the opioids in this specific seizure to be worth approximately ₦3.4 billion. Babafemi emphasized that the seizure is a major victory in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and opioid abuse in Nigeria.
“This operation highlights the lengths traffickers will go to smuggle harmful substances into the country, and it reinforces our resolve to intensify surveillance at all entry points,” Babafemi said.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to ridding the country of illicit drugs and safeguarding public health. Investigations are ongoing to uncover those behind the importation and distribution of the drugs.
