July 7, 2025
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a major drug trafficking attempt involving cocaine ingeniously concealed within lipstick containers and property title documents. The illicit substances were being shipped to Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom through courier and airport channels.
According to a statement by the NDLEA, the drugs were seized during routine inspection at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, as well as at logistics hubs within the city. Operatives, acting on intelligence, uncovered the narcotics that were meticulously hidden to evade detection.
The agency described the concealment strategy as highly deceptive, emphasizing that traffickers are increasingly resorting to creative tactics to outsmart security checks.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), commended the operatives for their alertness and professionalism. He assured the public that the agency remains committed to dismantling drug syndicates and blocking all trafficking routes.
“This seizure is a clear indication that no matter how sophisticated traffickers become, we are always one step ahead. Our operatives are constantly refining their skills to match the evolving tactics of drug cartels,” Marwa stated.
The agency has launched a full-scale investigation into the source and intended recipients of the consignment. Several suspects are currently in custody, assisting authorities with further inquiries.