In a series of operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted large quantities of illicit drugs, including opioids and synthetic cannabis, hidden in various everyday items such as loaves of bread and music speakers. These operations, which took place across several states, led to the arrest of multiple suspects linked to the drug trade.

On September 9, 2026, NDLEA operatives apprehended a real estate agent, Abideen Jide Salami, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Salami was allegedly attempting to collect a large luggage containing 32.20kg of synthetic cannabis, commonly known as Colorado, using a secret collection code provided by his brother in the UK. Following this, another suspect, Nurudeen Abiodun Kadiri, was arrested when he arrived to receive a separate consignment of 12.25kg of Colorado, also sent from the UK.

The NDLEA's operations extended beyond the airport. In Lagos, at Maza-Maza motor park, operatives intercepted a music speaker rigged to conceal three packs of Colorado destined for Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and ultimately Liberia. Two individuals, Ifeanyi Augustine, a tour agent, and Obasi Ugochuckwu, the owner of the consignment, were arrested during a sting operation.

In another incident at Iddo motor park, Ifeanyi Nwokolo Henry was caught trying to dispatch 2.1kg of Colorado to Kano. The agency's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed that these operations resulted in the arrests of at least seven suspects linked to the seized consignments.

Significant drug seizures were also reported in Delta State, where NDLEA operatives recovered various drugs, including ampoules of pentazocine injection, codeine syrup, tramadol, and MDMA, during operations in Ughelli and Asaba. Two suspects, Emeka Oji and Chukwuebuka Anedi, were arrested in connection with these drugs.

In Kano State, a raid in Sabon Gari resulted in the arrest of a 20-year-old suspect, Saidu Adamu, who was found with 785,000 capsules of pregabalin, weighing 669.425kg. Additionally, operatives seized 1,700 tablets of diazepam concealed inside loaves of bread, being transported by a 28-year-old suspect, Habibu Sabitu.

Further arrests were made in Plateau State, where Chinedu Uzor, aged 51, was apprehended with 157,100 capsules of tramadol at Katako Market in Jos. In Ondo State, NDLEA officers seized 186kg of skunk concealed in a vehicle, arresting 58-year-old Paul Ogbuwala, who was allegedly planning to distribute the drugs in Jos.

The NDLEA is also intensifying its efforts against cannabis cultivation, having destroyed over 4,832.56kg of skunk on farms in Edo State. During these operations, a 39-year-old suspect, Sunday Segun, was arrested.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the NDLEA Chairman, praised the agency's personnel for their dedication and urged them to maintain their efforts in combating drug trafficking across the country. He emphasized the need to close all channels used by drug cartels, whether through airports, seaports, land borders, or local cultivation sites.