NDLEA intercepts Colorado shipments from UK, recovers drugs hidden in speakers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted two consignments of Colorado from the United Kingdom and seized more of the drug concealed in music speakers at two motor parks in Lagos.

Several suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, the agency said in a statement on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said NDLEA operatives intercepted a consignment at the import shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, containing 27 parcels of Colorado weighing 32.20kg.

The agency stated that Abideen Jide Salami, a real estate agent, was arrested on Wednesday when he arrived to collect the luggage.

According to the NDLEA, Mr Salami presented a secret collection code allegedly sent to him by his brother in the UK.

In another operation, operatives arrested Nurudeen Abiodun Kadiri, 44, after tracing the intended recipient of a UK shipment containing 12.25kg of Colorado.

The agency said Mr Kadiri told investigators that his brother in the UK had sent the consignment to him.

Colorado hidden in speakers

The NDLEA noted that its Directorate of Operations and General Investigation intercepted a music speaker containing three packs of Colorado at a motor park in Maza Maza, Lagos.

The agency said the consignment was being taken to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, before being moved on to Liberia.

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The statement noted that a tour agent, Ifeanyi Obed Augustine, 41, and the alleged owner of the consignment, Obasi Ugochuckwu, 46, were arrested during a sting operation at a nearby eatery.

At the Iddo motor park, operatives separately arrested Ifeanyi Nwokolo Henry on Friday while he was allegedly attempting to send 2.1kg of Colorado to Kano.

The seizures come as the NDLEA continues its operations against the trafficking of drugs and uncovered a clandestine laboratory where Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, is being produced in a residential building in Lagos. 

In August, a 48-year-old businessman, Nwankwo Innocent Onyebuchi, was arrested after he had liquidated all his assets to chase a dream of quick riches in the illicit drug trade. 

The agency seized 1.550 kilograms of cocaine cleverly concealed within the side walls and railings of his bag. 

In November 2025, the agency stated that it uncovered a clandestine laboratory producing the drug in Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos.

The agency’s chairman, Buba Marwa, commended the officers involved in the latest operations. 

He directed them to sustain efforts to disrupt drug-trafficking routes through airports, seaports, land borders and the hinterland.