The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted consignments of Captagon, popularly known as the “Jihadi drug”, alongside millions of opioid tablets worth over N6.2 billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The seizures were made during operations targeting the trafficking of illicit and controlled substances through the country’s major entry points.
The agency said the intercepted drugs included Captagon, a stimulant that has been associated with illicit drug trafficking and the activities of some extremist groups, as well as large quantities of opioid tablets. The substances were discovered by NDLEA operatives during routine checks and intelligence-led operations at the Lagos airport.
The seizure is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to prevent the importation, distribution and abuse of illicit drugs in Nigeria. NDLEA has continued to strengthen surveillance and enforcement activities at airports and other points of entry to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent dangerous substances from reaching the Nigerian market.
The agency said the value of the intercepted consignments underscored the scale of the illicit drug trade and the financial interests involved in trafficking controlled substances. The recovery of the drugs also highlighted the role of coordinated intelligence and screening operations in detecting consignments that may otherwise enter the country and be distributed to users.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting the activities of drug trafficking organisations and protecting Nigerians from the harmful effects of illicit and controlled substances. The agency said investigations would continue to establish those behind the consignments and bring anyone found responsible before the appropriate authorities.
