US, UK Join NDLEA Probe of 1,000kg Cocaine Bust at Tincan Port

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a major joint investigation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to uncover the cartel behind the 1,000 kilograms of cocaine intercepted at the PTML Terminal, Tincan Island Port, Lagos.

The shipment, described as the largest single cocaine seizure ever recorded at the port was discovered last weekend when PTML operators found suspicious consignments inside an empty container and alerted port security agencies.

A statement on Tuesday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, said a joint examination involving NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security stakeholders confirmed the substance as cocaine following a field test by NDLEA operatives.

After preliminary checks, the consignment was officially transferred to NDLEA custody on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, following high-level coordination between NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi.

Valued at over $235 million (N338 billion) on the international market, the massive haul immediately triggered global attention.

Marwa consequently activated the NDLEA’s international partnerships, requesting support from the US-DEA and UK-NCA to ensure a full, border-spanning probe.

In what officials described as a swift response, operatives from both foreign agencies have already arrived in Nigeria and joined the ongoing investigation.

Marwa said involving the agency’s global partners was crucial to ensuring that “no stone is left unturned” and that all individuals connected to the shipment are identified and apprehended, regardless of their location.

“The essence of collaborating with our international partners is to ensure every gap is sufficiently covered so we can get all the masterminds of this huge consignment brought to book, wherever they are across the globe.

This followed excellent personal engagement between myself and the Customs CG,” he stated.

The operation marks one of the most significant breakthroughs in Nigeria’s fight against transnational drug trafficking.