By Wellington Jopelo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking after intercepting cocaine shipments heading to the United Kingdom and Australia while also destroying huge cannabis farms in Delta State.
NDLEA operatives reportedly uncovered cocaine and several opioid drugs hidden inside cartons prepared for international shipment through courier companies in Lagos.
According to the agency, some of the illegal substances were carefully concealed inside carton walls and packaged among clothing and other items meant for delivery overseas.
Officials said one of the intercepted consignments contained cocaine bound for Australia, while another package heading to the United Kingdom contained tramadol, pentazocine injections, and other controlled substances.
The anti-drug agency described the discoveries as part of a wider battle against international drug trafficking networks using Nigeria as a transit point for illegal shipments.
In Delta State, NDLEA officers also carried out major raids on suspected cannabis farms in Ukwuani and Ughelli North local government areas.
During the operations, authorities destroyed about 65,000 kilograms of skunk spread across large portions of farmland and arrested suspects linked to the illegal plantations.
The agency said soldiers supported the operations as security personnel moved into the affected areas to dismantle the drug camps completely.
Beyond Delta, NDLEA confirmed that several other operations were conducted across states including Kaduna, Ogun, Kano, Edo, Taraba, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory.
In Abuja, operatives reportedly arrested a businessman accused of producing drug-laced cakes and cookies for parties and social gatherings.
Authorities also intercepted large quantities of opioids, cannabis, and other banned substances hidden in different forms across the country.
The latest operations highlight the growing pressure on drug trafficking networks as NDLEA continues expanding its nationwide enforcement campaign.
Security analysts believe the increasing seizures show how traffickers are now using more sophisticated methods to move illegal substances both within and outside Nigeria.
As investigations continue, attention is now focused on whether the agency can trace and dismantle the larger criminal networks behind the international drug shipments.