Niger destroys over 319 kg of cocaine in Niamey incineration
Niamey, June 7, 2026 — Nigerian authorities have taken a decisive step in their fight against drug trafficking by incinerating a substantial shipment of cocaine intercepted during multiple operations across the country. The event took place this Sunday at the Central Livestock Laboratory (LABOCEL), organized by the National Drug Control Coordination Commission (CNCLD).
Over 319 kilograms of cocaine destroyed
A total of 280 cocaine bricks, weighing 319.745 kilograms, were incinerated. This significant haul came from two major seizures: 47 bricks intercepted in Gaya, within the Dosso region, on September 29, 2025, and 233 bricks seized in Zinder on May 19, 2026.
Prior to the incineration, forensic experts from the Directorate of Technical and Scientific Police (DPTS) conducted laboratory tests on a sample of the substance. The analysis confirmed the presence of cocaine hydrochloride (HCL).
Destruction complies with international drug management standards
During the ceremony, the President of the CNCLD, Mai Moussa Elhadji Bashir, emphasized that this operation aligns with global best practices for handling seized narcotics. He highlighted that authorities must destroy confiscated substances within reasonable timeframes to mitigate risks associated with prolonged storage, particularly as legal proceedings can often extend over several years.
Coordinated effort by judicial and security agencies
Presiding over the ceremony, the Minister of Justice, Alio Daouda, oversaw the destruction process alongside senior judicial and security officials. The event also included the presence of the Prosecutor of the Republic near the High Court of Niamey, the Director of the Central Office for the Repression of Illicit Drug Trafficking (OCRTIS), the Director-General of LABOCEL, and representatives from defense and security forces.
This destruction of more than three hundred kilograms of cocaine underscores the unwavering commitment of Nigerian authorities to combat drug trafficking networks—a growing challenge threatening regional security and stability in the Sahel.
