NDLEA Seizes Cannabis and Tramadol in Major Interdictions at Kano Airport and Lagos Port

Interdiction at Kano Airport On 16 October 2026, NDLEA officers at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport stopped a woman travelling on an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Investigators discovered 511.75 g of cannabis concealed inside a gallon of palm oil that had been given to her by her cousin. Both the passenger and her cousin were taken into custody.

Tramadol Seizure at Apapa Port Earlier in the month, NDLEA, working with the Nigeria Customs Service, uncovered a shipment of powdered tramadol at Apapa Port in Lagos. The consignment, declared as maize starch, was traced back to India. After forensic testing confirmed the substance as tramadol hydrochloride, the drugs were removed from 349 bags, totalling 8,725 kg. The estimated street value of the seized tramadol exceeds N6.98 billion.

Nationwide Operations The two high‑profile seizures are part of a series of operations carried out across several states, including Lagos, Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory. During these missions, NDLEA recovered thousands of kilograms of cannabis and large quantities of opioids, leading to the arrest of dozens of suspects.

Implications for Drug Control The interceptions demonstrate NDLEA’s continued focus on disrupting drug trafficking routes to and from Nigeria. By targeting both international flights and maritime cargo, the agency aims to curb the flow of illicit substances into the country and beyond.

Conclusion The combined seizures of cannabis and tramadol underscore the effectiveness of coordinated law‑enforcement efforts. NDLEA’s actions are expected to deter future attempts to smuggle drugs through commercial channels.