Nigeria arrests cocaine trafficker and seizes 1.8 tonnes of cannabis plus ₦12.8 bn in expired drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested suspected trafficker Hassan Bishi Taiwo at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport after finding three parcels of cocaine hidden in a false bottom of his suitcase. The arrest followed his arrival on an Ethiopian Airlines flight, and officials noted his links to Middle‑East drug routes.

In separate intelligence‑driven operations, the Nigeria Customs Service’s Apapa Area Command intercepted a 40‑foot container (CAAU7569127) loaded with approximately 1.8 tonnes of Cannabis sativa (3,639 sachets, each 500 g), described as “Canadian Loud”. The drugs were concealed inside a Toyota vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, and various bags and drums. The same operations uncovered two containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at about ₦12.78 billion, which authorities labelled an act of economic sabotage and a serious public‑health threat. Statements from NDLEA commander Ahmadu Garba, Customs Public Relations Officer Isah Sulaiman, and Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba emphasized coordinated intelligence, risk‑profiling systems, and a commitment to swift enforcement.