Nigeria, U.S. and U.K. Launch Joint Probe After Major Cocaine Haul at Lagos Port

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12/11/25 • 31 Lượt xem • 0 Đăng lại • Xuất bản năm Khác

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed it is working closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of the United States and the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom to investigate a major cocaine trafficking ring, following the seizure of 1,000 kilograms of cocaine at the PTML terminal of the Tincan Island Port in Lagos. Punch Nigeria+3The Guardian Nigeria+3Reuters+3

Key Details of the Seizure

According to the NDLEA, port operators noticed an empty shipping container over the weekend that aroused suspicion. The container was opened and tested by NDLEA operatives, who confirmed the substance was cocaine. The haul was formally handed over to the agency on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. Reuters+2Vanguard News+2

The illicit consignment is valued at over US $235 million (approximately ₦338 billion) on the international market. Vanguard News+1

NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa underscored the global nature of the investigation, stating that the collaboration with international partners aims to “leave no stone unturned” and bring all individuals behind the shipment to justice — wherever they may be located. The Independent+1

The Significance and Broader Context

This seizure is reported as the largest single recorded cocaine haul at Tincan Island Port to date. Marine Insight

Nigeria is regarded by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as a key transit point for narcotics in West Africa — and increasingly a source of production as well. Africanews+1

Experts say the collaboration between Nigerian, American and British agencies marks a significant escalation in anti‑narcotics efforts, reflecting recognition of the transnational dimensions of drug‑trafficking networks operating through Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.

What Happens Next

Investigators from NDLEA, DEA and NCA are now working to:

Trace the container’s origin and shipping route.
Identify and dismantle the cartel network responsible for importing the shipment.
Determine the final destination(s) of the cocaine and the operatives behind the logistics chain.
Fortify port surveillance and container‑screening procedures to prevent future large‑scale shipments.

Implications

The magnitude of this bust sends a strong signal to traffickers relying on Nigeria as a gateway. It also places added pressure on port authorities, customs, and drug enforcement agencies to step up capacity, intelligence‑sharing and enforcement coordination. Some analysts say the haul indicates a shift from smaller shipments to bulk consignments — raising concerns about increased trafficking risks via maritime routes.

As the investigation progresses, authorities say they will issue further updates on arrests, linkages and seizures arising from this operation.

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