NDLEA Uncovers Drugs Hidden In Water Purifiers From Netherlands, Arrests Suspects Across States

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted consignments of illicit drugs concealed in water purifier machines imported from the Netherlands, while a series of operations across different parts of the country also led to several arrests and drug seizures.

According to the agency, the drugs were discovered on May 26, 2026, at a courier facility in Lagos. Officers recovered three kilograms of ketamine and 199 grams of MDMA hidden inside the water purification machines.

Confirming the development, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said, “Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered consignments of high potency illicit drugs concealed in water purifier machines shipped to Lagos from Netherlands.”

The agency also recorded a major seizure in Kaduna State. NDLEA operatives arrested a couple, Musa Sunday and Mercy Sunday, along with Salomi Ezekiel after raiding a residence in the Gonin Gora area on May 24. During the operation, officers recovered 100 jumbo bags of skunk with a combined weight of 1,246 kilograms.

On the same day, operatives intercepted a 30-year-old suspect, Sunusi Musa, along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway at Jere. He was allegedly transporting 380 rounds of 7.62mm military ammunition to Katsina State. NDLEA said the suspect and the recovered ammunition were subsequently handed over to the relevant security agency for further investigation.

The agency also reported another breakthrough in Niger State. It stated, “In Niger State, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence raided a warehouse at Gidan Kukah, Bosso Local Government Area, on May 27, where 457 kilograms of skunk were recovered.

“A suspect, Godwin Zakka, was later arrested at his residence in Minna in connection with the seizure.

“In Enugu State, operatives on patrol along the Onitsha–Enugu expressway intercepted a commercial vehicle marked JAY-158-YF on May 28, recovering 22,000 tramadol pills, 100 ampoules of pentazocine and 200 grams of bromazepam. A suspect, James Maigari Wisdom, was arrested,” NDLEA said.

Beyond enforcement activities, the anti-narcotics agency said it continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign in schools, places of worship, workplaces and communities across several states.

The agency stated, “With the same zeal, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities, among others.”

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the operations. He urged personnel to sustain efforts aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks while expanding preventive campaigns across the country.