Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: drug trafficking

  • Customs and NDLEA intercept cocaine consignment at Apapa port in joint operation

    Customs and NDLEA intercept cocaine consignment at Apapa port in joint operation

    In a report by Punch, the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA say they intercepted 30.1kg of cocaine concealed on a vessel at Greenview Terminal, Apapa Port, during a joint operation.

    Authorities said the drugs were packaged in slabs and hidden on board, describing the seizure as part of tightened surveillance at Nigeria’s busiest seaport.

    The bust adds to concerns about maritime smuggling routes and the need for stronger profiling, scanning coverage, and intelligence-led interdiction across port corridors.

    Echotitbits take: Expect follow-up disclosures on arrests, consignee/handler trails, and prosecution. The bigger watch item is whether joint interdiction becomes routine—backed by improved scanning capacity and sustained intelligence-sharing.

    Source: The Punch — January 4, 2026 (https://punchng.com/customs-ndlea-seize-30-1kg-cocaine-at-apapa-port/)

    The Punch January 4, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Massive Cocaine Haul Intercepted at Apapa Port on Marshall Islands Vessel

    Massive Cocaine Haul Intercepted at Apapa Port on Marshall Islands Vessel

    According to The Guardian Nigeria, a joint operation by the Nigerian Customs Service and the NDLEA led to the seizure of 30.1kg of cocaine at the Apapa Port in Lagos. The illicit substance was discovered aboard a vessel flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, hidden within a specialized compartment.

    The interception is being hailed as a major victory in the ongoing war against international drug trafficking syndicates using Nigerian ports as transit hubs. Security agencies have already commenced a deep forensic investigation into the ship’s manifest and the identities of those involved in the logistics chain.

    Vanguard supported this report, highlighting that ‘Customs and NDLEA are stepping up vigilance at maritime gateways’ following several high-profile busts. BusinessDay also cited the development, quoting officials who noted that ‘illicit trade must be shunned’ to protect Nigeria’s international trade reputation.

    Echotitbits take: The use of a foreign-flagged vessel suggests a sophisticated international ring. While the seizure is commendable, the real challenge lies in prosecuting the high-level financiers behind these shipments, who often hide behind layers of corporate shell companies.

    Source: Vanguard — https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/customs-ndlea-intercept-30-1kg-cocaine-on-marshall-islands-flagged-vessel-at-lagos-port/amp/
    Vanguard January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • NDLEA intercepts UK-bound cocaine concealed in factory-sealed starch sachets

    NDLEA intercepts UK-bound cocaine concealed in factory-sealed starch sachets

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    According to Punch, NDLEA operatives uncovered 1.5kg of cocaine concealed inside factory-sealed cold-water starch sachets at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and arrested an ex-convict alongside cargo agents linked to the attempted shipment to the UK.

    The concealment method underscores how traffickers exploit everyday export items to reduce suspicion, while enforcement agencies tighten checks on logistics chains and facilitation networks around airports.

    Beyond seizures, successful prosecution and disruption of supply networks remain the deterrence test for interdiction efforts.

    Channels TV reports “the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine, weighing a total of 1.50 kilograms,” while The Guardian also states the drugs were “concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch and destined for the United Kingdom.”

    Echotitbits take: Traffickers innovate faster than paperwork. The winning move is sustained profiling, tighter cargo-agent oversight, and faster court timelines that turn arrests into convictions.

    Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/ndlea-uncovers-uk-bound-cocaine-hidden-in-starch-at-lagos-airport/)
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Indian Police Arrest Nigerian After Cocaine Allegedly Found Hidden in Bread Loaves

    Indian Police Arrest Nigerian After Cocaine Allegedly Found Hidden in Bread Loaves

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-25 10:40:00

    From coverage by Punch, India’s Central Crime Branch arrested a 29-year-old Nigerian national after police said they seized 121 grams of cocaine allegedly concealed inside loaves of bread, with the drugs valued at about ₹1.2 crore.

    The report describes the method as an attempt to evade detection during transport from Mumbai to Bengaluru, reflecting how traffickers increasingly disguise narcotics inside everyday consumer items.

    In The Indian Express report on the case, authorities said the woman allegedly trafficked cocaine “concealing it in bread loaves,” and noted she had entered India on a student visa after police acted on intelligence.

    The Times of India also reported the incident as “cocaine cleverly concealed within loaves of bread,” adding that the buyer linked to the case had since been deported—underscoring a broader enforcement posture on narcotics networks.

    Echotitbits take: Beyond the sensational hiding method, the bigger issue is diaspora vulnerability—where immigration status and informal networks can fuel cross-border crime narratives that hurt legitimate Nigerians abroad. Watch for follow-up arrests and how consular channels engage to ensure due process.

    Source: The Punch — December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/indian-police-arrest-nigerian-student-for-hiding-cocaine-in-bread-loaves/?amp=)

    The Punch 2025-12-24

  • NDLEA in Adamawa reports 1.3 tonnes seized and 150 arrests in December crackdown

    NDLEA in Adamawa reports 1.3 tonnes seized and 150 arrests in December crackdown

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-20 10:30:00

    Based on reports carried by The Harmattan News, the NDLEA in Adamawa says it seized 1,396.5kg of narcotics and arrested 150 suspects during December operations.

    The command attributed the figures to enforcement sweeps and urged communities to report dealers, framing the push as a youth-protection campaign.

    While the numbers are significant, longer-term impact depends on prosecution, intelligence-led targeting of financiers, and consistent interdiction across borders and interstate routes.

    Alabingo repeated the briefing, quoting officials that the update was disclosed at a press conference in Yola, while Harmattan News also reported NDLEA “has seized 1,396.5 kg of narcotics and arrested 150 suspects.”

    Echotitbits take:
    Big seizures make headlines, but outcomes matter: track court cases, asset forfeitures, and whether syndicate leaders—not only couriers—are being identified. Also watch prevention work in hotspots.

    Source: The Harmattan News — December 20, 2025 (https://www.theharmattannews.com/ndlea-seizes-1396-5-kg-of-narcotics-arrests-150-suspects-in-adamawa/)
    The Harmattan News 2025-12-20

  • Trump Sends U.S. Forces to Ecuador in Expanded Anti-Drug Cooperation

    Trump Sends U.S. Forces to Ecuador in Expanded Anti-Drug Cooperation

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    Vanguard reports that the United States is deploying military personnel to Ecuador as part of a renewed anti-narcotics push, reflecting a broader security strategy in the Americas.

    The report indicates the deployment would support joint operations, surveillance, and logistics in collaboration with Ecuadorian forces.

    Officials say the arrangement is time-bound, with the stated aim of disrupting trafficking routes and strengthening maritime and air interdiction.

    Dawn, citing AFP, reported that the mission would be a “temporary operation” alongside Ecuadorian forces. (Dawn/AFP)

    Barron’s, also carrying the AFP account, described the move as part of intensified U.S. drug interdiction efforts in the region. (Barron’s/AFP)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: While far from Nigeria geographically, U.S. interdiction shifts can affect global trafficking patterns and enforcement priorities—sometimes displacing routes. Watch for whether West African transit corridors see knock-on effects as pressure increases in Latin America.

    Source: Vanguard — December 18, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/trump-deploys-military-to-ecuador-for-anti-drugs-operation/)

    Photo credit: Vanguard News

  • NDLEA uncovers Abia codeine operation as agencies intercept major opioid consignments

    NDLEA uncovers Abia codeine operation as agencies intercept major opioid consignments

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, NDLEA operatives uncovered a clandestine codeine syrup manufacturing operation in Abia State and reported large seizures linked to wider nationwide interdictions.

    Punch says the crackdown forms part of broader pre‑holiday operations targeting illicit opioid supply chains, including containers and large consignments intercepted at ports and along transit routes.

    The report highlights continued pressure on drug networks feeding domestic abuse and cross-border trafficking.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Beyond seizures, disruption depends on prosecutions, asset forfeiture, and sustained port/land-border controls. Watch for follow-up arrests, forensic tracing of supply chains, and joint actions with Customs and international counterparts.

    Source: Blueprint — December 15, 2025

    Blueprint https://blueprint.ng/ndlea-seizes-1187kg-skunk-uncovers-codeine-factory/ December 15, 2025

  • India Deports 32 Nigerians After Drug Crackdown

    India Deports 32 Nigerians After Drug Crackdown

    Indian authorities have deported 32 Nigerians linked to a transnational narcotics network following arrests in a multi-state crackdown.

    The development may renew diaspora and consular conversations around criminal networks, profiling concerns and lawful migration pathways.

    Source: Punch, 2025-12-09