The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a joint investigation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) following the interception of 1,000 kilograms of cocaine at the PTML Terminal of the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, describing it as the largest single cocaine seizure ever recorded at the port.

According to him, the drug-laden consignment was discovered by operators at the terminal in an empty container, who immediately alerted port stakeholders, including the NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service, for a joint inspection.

Field tests conducted by NDLEA operatives confirmed the white substance to be cocaine. The consignment, valued at over $235 million about N338 billion was transferred into the agency’s custody on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

“The NDLEA is working with the United States DEA and the United Kingdom NCA to uncover the cartel behind the 1,000kg of cocaine recovered from a container at the PTML Terminal of Tin Can Island Port in Lagos,” Babafemi stated.

He said the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), ordered the involvement of international partners because of the magnitude of the seizure and the suspected global network behind it.

Following NDLEA’s request, officers of the US DEA and UK NCA have since joined the investigation.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA announced the arrest of several suspects in separate drug-related operations, including a wanted trafficker, 40-year-old Yussuf Azeez, who was intercepted on November 6 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while attempting to board a flight to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.