Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 44.45kg of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as Colorado, in two separate consolidated cargoes shipped from the United Kingdom to Nigeria.
At least seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizures, which also involved consignments of the illicit drug concealed inside music speakers and intercepted at two motor parks in Lagos.
The NDLEA disclosed the arrests and seizures in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
At the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, operatives intercepted a UK-bound consignment containing 27 parcels of Colorado weighing 32.20kg.
According to the agency, real estate agent Abideen Jide Salami was arrested on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, after he arrived to collect a large luggage containing the drugs using a secret collection code allegedly relayed to him by his brother based in the UK.
A follow-up investigation into another UK shipment led NDLEA operatives to the intended recipient of a second consignment containing 12.25kg of Colorado.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Nurudeen Abiodun Kadiri, reportedly told investigators that his brother in the UK sent him the consignment.
Beyond the airport seizures, NDLEA operatives also intercepted Colorado concealed in music speakers at two Lagos motor parks.
At Maza-Maza motor park, operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation discovered three packs of Colorado concealed inside a music speaker.
The consignment was reportedly being transported to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with Liberia listed as its ultimate destination.
A sting operation conducted at a nearby eatery led to the arrest of tour agent Ifeanyi Obed Augustine, 41, and the alleged owner of the consignment, Obasi Ugochukwu, 46.
At Iddo Park, another suspect, Ifeanyi Nwokolo Henry, was arrested on Friday, September 11, while allegedly attempting to dispatch 2.1kg of Colorado to Kano.
NDLEA also reported the arrest of 39-year-old Sunday Segun during an operation on Friday.
In a separate development in Ondo State, operatives acting on intelligence raided a residence along Oke-Iya, Ijoka Road, Akure, on Wednesday, September 9.
The operation led to the recovery of 186kg of skunk, a form of cannabis, which the agency said was concealed in the boot of a Toyota Avalon car with registration number ABJ 917 FV.
A 58-year-old suspect, Paul Ogbuwala, was arrested at the location. NDLEA alleged that he was preparing to move the consignment to Jos for onward distribution.
Meanwhile, NDLEA commands and formations across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns during the week.
The agency said its officers engaged students, worshippers, workers and members of various communities as part of efforts to prevent drug abuse and trafficking.
Activities included a WADA enlightenment lecture for students and staff of Mezube Islamiyya Academy in Tudun Wada, Kano; an advocacy visit to the management of Cross River State College of Health Technology, Calabar; and a visit by Rikkos traditional rulers to the NDLEA Academy in Jos.
Commending officers involved in the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), called for sustained efforts against drug trafficking networks.
Marwa urged the agency’s personnel to maintain what he described as a balanced approach to drug control, while targeting the various routes exploited by trafficking syndicates.
He charged officers to “continue to shut every pipeline being used by drug cartels” across airports, seaports, land borders and the hinterland where cannabis is cultivated.
