The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its efforts to combat illegal drug production and trafficking. Recently, the agency arrested a suspected drug kingpin linked to a synthetic Colorado cannabis lab in Oyo State. This operation also led to significant drug seizures across multiple states.
According to a statement by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the illegal Colorado cannabis lab in Badeku, Ibadan, is dismantle on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The main suspect and one accomplice are in custody during the raid.
Key Details of the Colorado cannabis lab:
NDLEA operatives discovered eight liters of precursor chemicals used to produce synthetic cannabis, 14 grams of skunk, and other equipment for manufacturing Colorado (a type of synthetic cannabis). Additionally, they seized N7.4 million in cash and two vehicles—a Mercedes-Benz SUV and a Toyota Highlander—believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
Nationwide Seizures:
The agency reported major drug interceptions across the country:
- Kwara State: Agents stopped a petrol tanker traveling from Lagos to Maiduguri. A thorough search revealed 395,400 capsules of tramadol hidden inside the truck. The driver was arrested.
- Imo State: A husband and wife were caught with 203 kilograms of skunk.
- Ondo State: NDLEA agents seized 420 kilograms of skunk during another operation.
These seizures highlight the increasing efforts by traffickers to move large quantities of cannabis through regional routes.
Maritime Interception:
NDLEA’s Marine Command intercepted 31 parcels of cocaine concealed in a handbag at Yekeme, Badagry, Lagos State. The suspect reportedly entered Nigeria from Côte d’Ivoire via a passenger boat on Friday. This incident underscores the continued use of waterways for cross-border drug trafficking.
Additional Arrests:
Further raids in Lagos led to the arrest of a suspect on February 4 at Lagos Island. The individual found transporting 3.6 kilograms of Canadian Loud and Colorado—two premium synthetic cannabis types. In Asata, Ezeagu, NDLEA agents apprehended another dealer and confiscated skunk, methamphetamine, cocaine, molly, and N457,700 in cash.
