By Peace Erewunmi

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a shipment of illicit drugs concealed inside water purifier machines imported into Nigeria from Europe.

According to the agency, operatives intercepted the consignments at a logistics and courier company in Lagos following intelligence-led surveillance operations.

The drugs were reportedly hidden inside the appliances in an attempt to evade detection. Items recovered included ketamine and MDMA (ecstasy), which were carefully packaged within the water purifier units.

NDLEA officials said the discovery formed part of wider nationwide operations targeting drug trafficking networks using sophisticated concealment methods to smuggle narcotics into the country.

The agency also disclosed that additional interdiction operations were carried out in parts of Kaduna, Niger, and Enugu States, leading to arrests and seizures of illegal substances and suspected traffickers.

In one of the operations, security operatives intercepted individuals linked to drug distribution networks, while large quantities of controlled substances were recovered from different locations.

The NDLEA stated that drug trafficking syndicates are increasingly adopting new techniques to disguise illegal shipments, but assured that intelligence-led enforcement efforts are improving detection and interception.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking across all entry points, including airports, seaports, and courier services.

As of the time of filing this report, investigations into the shipment and those behind it are ongoing.