The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a consignment of cannabis allegedly destined for Saudi Arabia and seized 8,725 kilogrammes of powdered tramadol valued at more than ₦6.98 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos.

The operations also led to several arrests and drug seizures across the country, including the arrest of an 85-year-old woman in Edo State.

The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the operations in a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Cannabis Concealed in Palm Oil at Kano Airport

At the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State, operatives intercepted Fatimah Ahmad on Friday, October 16, during the outward clearance of an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, via Addis Ababa.

A search revealed 511.75 grammes of cannabis, also known as skunk, concealed inside a gallon of palm oil she was carrying.

According to the agency, Ahmad told investigators that her cousin, Abubakar Yahaya, had given her the container. Yahaya was subsequently arrested at the airport car park.

The suspects were taken into custody as investigations continued into the attempted movement of the substance.

₦6.98bn Tramadol Shipment Seized at Apapa Port

At the Apapa Port in Lagos, NDLEA operatives working with the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies uncovered a shipment of powdered tramadol imported from India.

The consignment was discovered on October 2 during a joint examination of cargo declared as maize starch.

Laboratory analysis by the NDLEA confirmed that the substance was tramadol hydrochloride powder.

When the consignment was separated from its concealment on October 14, officers found 349 bags weighing a total of 8,725kg. The agency estimated the shipment’s street value at more than ₦6.98 billion.

Canadian Loud Seized at Tin Can Island Port

In another operation at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos on October 12, officers discovered 55kg of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis, valued at ₦165 million.

The substance was reportedly packed in brown cartons and concealed inside a Toyota Sienna shipped in a 40-foot container.

The seizure formed part of the agency’s efforts to intercept illicit drugs entering the country through seaports.

More Drug Seizures and Arrests in Lagos

The NDLEA also reported several operations across Lagos State.

At Idumota Market on October 14, operatives arrested Elizabeth Chidera Kalu and recovered 10,600 ampoules of diazepam injection and 6,500 tablets of Molly from her store.

The following day, officers arrested two 35-year-old men in the Mushin area. Idowu Daudu was allegedly found with 59.95kg of skunk, while Ahmed Oniyinde was found with 61.23kg.

In a separate operation along the Iyana Oba axis on October 15, operatives intercepted a truck travelling from Trade Fair Market.

A search reportedly uncovered 18,000 tablets of tramadol, each containing 250mg, concealed in cartons labelled as Rambo insecticide.

The suspects were identified as Tajudeen Adeduntan, a loading manager, and his assistant, Azeez Sikiru.

85-Year-Old Woman Among Suspects Arrested in Edo

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives arrested six suspects during raids conducted between October 15 and 16 in Warake, Ivhiaro, Ewe and Irue communities in Owan East Local Government Area.

Among those arrested was 85-year-old Grace Ehimeka, who was allegedly found with 179kg of skunk in Warake.

Other suspects were reportedly found with varying quantities of cannabis, cannabis seeds, tramadol, Swinol, diazepam and other substances.

The agency said the arrests formed part of its wider campaign against drug trafficking and distribution.

Cannabis Farm Destroyed in Ondo

In Ondo State, operatives raided a cannabis farm in Okemoro Isinbode Camp Forest on October 17 and destroyed an estimated 7,500kg of skunk cultivated across three hectares of land.

Five suspects were arrested during the operation.

Officers also recovered 92 bags of skunk weighing 1,267kg, alongside 11kg of cannabis seeds and 3kg of fresh cannabis stems.

In a separate operation in Owo, operatives reportedly recovered 25 bags of cannabis weighing 375kg from the hideout of 53-year-old Okunebe Ndidi in Ameyinti.

Tramadol and Other Drugs Recovered in Bauchi

In Bauchi State, officers intercepted a Volkswagen Golf wagon driven by 35-year-old Shamsu Garba at Ragwam village in Katagum Local Government Area on October 14.

The operation reportedly led to the recovery of 894,800 tramadol capsules and Exol-5 tablets.

The agency also reported the recovery of 291 blocks of cannabis weighing 265kg from an abandoned vehicle at Tudun Natsira village along the Bauchi-Gombe Road.

NDLEA Continues Nationwide Crackdown

The latest operations highlight the agency’s continuing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks through airport inspections, seaport cargo examinations, road interceptions and raids on suspected distribution centres.

The NDLEA said its operations had resulted in multiple seizures and arrests across several states, with investigations continuing into the consignments and individuals involved.

The allegations against the arrested suspects remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.