The Apapa Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 13 containers laden with illicit drugs at Apapa port within one year, while securing fines exceeding $12 million against two international vessels used in drug trafficking.
The Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command, Mohammed Tukur, disclosed this on 26 June ,2926 during the commemoration of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organised by Apapa / Tin Can Strategic Command themed: The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses held in Apapa, Lagos.
According to the Commander, the seizures, recorded between June 2025 and June 2026, underscore the agency’s sustained efforts to prevent Nigeria’s maritime gateways from being exploited by transnational drug trafficking syndicates.
He revealed that the intercepted consignments comprised approximately 162.47 tonnes of codeine-based syrups, 77 kilograms of cocaine recovered from three international vessels, 8.1 tonnes of Cannabis Indica (Canadian Loud/Colorado), and 1.5 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa.
Beyond the seizures, the Commander said the Command also recorded significant prosecutory successes during the period under review, securing convictions and fines of over $12 million against two international vessels, as well as a three year prison sentence without the option of fine for a convicted drug trafficker.
He attributed the achievements to intelligence-led operations and strong collaboration with sister security and law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Navy, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other stakeholders.
Speaking on the significance of this year’s observance, themed, he said that the global drug challenge continues to evolve as organised criminal networks adopt sophisticated methods, exploit emerging technologies, and identify new trafficking routes.
He also noted that the Command’s activities align with the NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign introduced by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), to reduce drug demand through sustained awareness and prevention initiatives.
According to Tukur, the event forms part of the broader WADA campaign aimed at extending anti-drug advocacy beyond enforcement operations to communities, schools, institutions and workplaces.
While acknowledging the importance of the maritime sector to international trade and Nigeria’s economy, the Commander warned that criminal organisations continue to target ports and shipping routes for illicit drug movements.
Tukur stressed that the nation’s ports must remain secure channels for legitimate commerce and not become conduits for trafficking activities capable of endangering lives and undermining national security.
The Commander also announced that resource persons at the event would educate participants on the dangers of substance abuse, emerging drug trends, the consequences of illicit trafficking and the collective responsibility required to tackle the menace.
He commended the Nigerian Ports Authority for providing an enabling environment for the Command’s operations and appreciated stakeholders and partners for their continued support in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain against drug trafficking.
Also speaking, the Commander of the Tin Can Strategic Command, Solomon Omotosho, said the global drug problem continues to evolve, requiring governments, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, communities and individuals to adopt modern, evidence based and collaborative strategies to tackle the menace. He noted that while long standing issues such as drug abuse, trafficking and organised crime persist, emerging threats, including synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, demand innovative and coordinated responses.
Omotosho stressed that reducing drug demand remains the most effective way to disrupt the supply chain, arguing that without demand there would be little incentive for traffickers. He therefore called for sustained public awareness campaigns, stronger community engagement and greater collaboration among stakeholders to curb substance abuse.
He also underscored the importance of rehabilitation and recovery programmes, noting that the establishment of rehabilitation centres has strengthened efforts to help drug users recover, reintegrate into society and protect communities from the harmful effects of illicit drugs.
The Tin Can Strategic Commander urged families and communities to play active roles in preventing drug abuse, warning that addiction can have devastating and long lasting consequences. He called on Nigerians to unite in the fight against substance abuse and illicit trafficking, saying only collective action can effectively safeguard the nation’s future.
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