NDLEA Busts Lagos Drug Warehouses, Seizes Tramadol, Codeine Worth N16.9bn
By Enemona Samuel Endurance
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered three illicit drug warehouses hidden within a residential estate in Lagos, seizing tramadol pills and codeine syrup valued at N16,927,200,000.
The operation, described as intelligence-driven and highly coordinated, took place in the Okota area of Lagos State, according to The Business Bureau.
Massive Drug Seizure in Residential Estate
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the raids were carried out on April 17 at multiple locations within Park View Estate, Ago Palace, Okota.
The addresses raided include 98 Olukayode Awofisayo Street and 5 Charles Ndumetu Street, where operatives uncovered a major drug warehouse along with two additional storage facilities.
During the operation, NDLEA officials recovered:
2,360,000 pills of high-potency tramadol (225mg)
1,909,400 bottles of codeine syrup
The seized codeine syrup was packed in 19,094 cartons, while tramadol pills were stored in 34 cartons.
NDLEA Describes Operation as Major Breakthrough
Reacting to the development, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the operation as a major blow to drug trafficking networks.
“The scale of this recovery, nearly 4.3 million units of lethal substances, is a testament to the fact that our officers are staying several steps ahead of these merchants of death,” Marwa said.
He added that the discovery of such large volumes of illicit drugs within residential estates underscores both the desperation of drug syndicates and the effectiveness of the agency’s intelligence network.
Warning to Drug Syndicates
Marwa further issued a strong warning to traffickers, stressing that no part of Nigeria would serve as a safe haven for illegal drug operations.
“We will find you, dismantle your networks, and bring the full weight of the law upon you,” he warned.
The Business Bureau reports that the latest raid highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat substance abuse and disrupt illicit drug supply chains across the country.
Growing Concern Over Drug Abuse
The seizure comes amid increasing concerns about the widespread abuse of pharmaceutical opioids such as tramadol and codeine, particularly among young Nigerians.
Authorities have repeatedly identified the illegal distribution of these substances as a major public health and security challenge, with links to organised crime and social instability.
The NDLEA has intensified enforcement actions in recent years, targeting both importation networks and domestic distribution channels.
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