The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the seizure of more than 2.3 million tramadol 225 mg tablets and 1.9 million bottles of codeine syrup, valued at over ₦16.9 million, from three illegal warehouses in Lagos on 17 April 2026.
The operation, conducted at 98 Olukayode Awofisayo Street, Park View Estate, Ago Palace, Okota, and at 5 Charles Ndumetu Street, Park View Estate, uncovered a total of 19 094 cartons of codeine syrup and 34 cartons of tramadol tablets. The recovered items represent approximately 4.3 million units of controlled substances.
In a statement signed by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA confirmed that the warehouses were linked to a drug syndicate operating within the city’s residential and commercial districts. The seized stock included high‑potency tramadol 225 mg tablets, a formulation frequently abused for its stimulant and euphoric effects, and codeine syrup, which is often diverted for recreational use.
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, hailed the operation as a significant setback to the illegal pharmaceutical market in Nigeria. “The scale of this recovery demonstrates our capacity to stay ahead of traffickers,” Marwa said. He added that the presence of large quantities of narcotics in densely populated areas underscores the persistence of drug‑trafficking networks and the agency’s commitment to dismantling them.
The NDLEA has repeatedly warned that Nigeria offers no safe haven for drug traffickers, whether they operate from elite residences or suburban warehouses. Marwa reiterated that the agency will continue to pursue and prosecute individuals involved in the illicit drug trade, emphasizing the potential impact of such substances on public health, particularly among youths.
Nigeria’s drug enforcement efforts have intensified in recent years, with the NDLEA reporting an upward trend in seizures of opioids and other controlled substances. The agency collaborates with local law‑enforcement bodies and international partners to curb the flow of illegal drugs into the country.
The recent Lagos seizure adds to a series of high‑profile operations aimed at curbing the proliferation of counterfeit and unregulated pharmaceuticals. Authorities have called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that may indicate drug‑related crimes.
The NDLEA is expected to continue investigations to identify the individuals and networks responsible for the stockpiled opioids, and to pursue legal action in accordance with Nigerian drug control legislation.
