NDLEA Arrests Hair Stylist and Dispatch Rider for Selling Drug-Laced Chin-Chin to School Students in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended two individuals involved in the sale and distribution of illicit drug-laced chin-chin to school students and social gatherings in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The suspects, identified as Josephine Odunu, a 20-year-old hairdresser, and Edesemi Ikporo, a 30-year-old dispatch rider, were intercepted by vigilant NDLEA officers during a patrol around the Opolo area of Yenagoa on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

During the operation, Edesemi was found in possession of 200 grams of chin-chin infused with cannabis sativa, intended for delivery to a buyer. This initial seizure prompted a swift follow-up operation, leading to the arrest of Josephine, who was identified as a key distributor operating from a salon in the Kpansia area of Yenagoa. A subsequent search of the salon premises yielded an additional 3.00 kilograms of the drugged chin-chin, bringing the total contraband seized from the duo to 3.2kg. The director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, confirmed these developments in a statement released on Sunday, March 17.

Distribution Network and Modus Operandi

Further investigations revealed that Josephine and Edesemi were part of a network involved in the widespread distribution of drug-laced chin-chin, with a particular focus on targeting school students and social gatherings such as birthday parties. According to Babafemi, Edesemi primarily handled the delivery of the illicit product to buyers, while Josephine played a significant role as a major distributor, particularly to a wanted suspect known for producing the drugged chin-chin.

The modus operandi of the syndicate involved the production and distribution of chin-chin infused with cannabis and tramadol, substances known for their psychoactive effects. By exploiting unsuspecting consumers, including school students and attendees of social events, the syndicate posed a significant threat to public health and safety in the region. The arrest of Josephine and Edesemi marks a crucial step in dismantling this illicit operation and preventing further harm to the community.

Legal Proceedings and Public Awareness by NDLEA

Following their arrest, Josephine and Edesemi are expected to face legal proceedings in accordance with relevant drug trafficking laws. The NDLEA has emphasized the importance of public awareness and cooperation in combating the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking. Babafemi urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals involved in drug-related offenses to the appropriate authorities.

As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to rooting out drug-related criminal activities and safeguarding communities against the harmful effects of substance abuse. The arrest of Josephine Odunu and Edesemi Ikporo serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving a drug-free society.

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NDLEA Operatives Make Major Drug Busts Across Nigeria

In a concerted effort to combat the illicit drug trade, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant breakthroughs across various states in Nigeria. Under the leadership of its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the agency announced a series of successful operations resulting in the arrest of several wanted suspects and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics.

Arrests and Seizures in Adamawa, Osun, and Bauchi States

In Adamawa state, NDLEA operatives apprehended two wanted suspects, Ajim Samuel, known as Boss, and Davidson John Joshua, also known as Dantala. The suspects were intercepted while returning from Onitsha, Anambra state, with a substantial quantity of tramadol hidden within the body compartments of their vehicle. This arrest signifies a significant blow to the drug trafficking network operating across state borders.

Similarly, in Osun state, the arrest of commercial bus driver, Ogunleye Adegoke, highlights the agency’s vigilance along major transportation routes. Adegoke was caught with a cache of tramadol capsules, rohypnol tablets, and codeine syrup concealed within his vehicle. This interception underscores the NDLEA’s commitment to intercepting narcotics being transported through various means.

Furthermore, in Bauchi state, Lawan Abubakar was apprehended with a staggering 343,000 pills of opioids, demonstrating the agency’s resolve to dismantle large-scale drug operations. Additionally, Muhammadu Rabi’u was transferred to the Bauchi state command of the NDLEA after being found in possession of 64,000 tramadol pills, indicating a coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking.

Continued Crackdown in Ogun, Kano, Nasarawa, and Edo States

The NDLEA’s crackdown extended to Ogun state, where Ikechukwu Obialo, a driver of a transport company, was intercepted with a significant quantity of cannabis. In Kano, suspects Ali Amadu and Adamu Hassan were arrested with a substantial amount of cannabis, tramadol, and codeine syrup, demonstrating the agency’s determination to tackle drug-related crimes at the grassroots level.

Furthermore, in Nasarawa state, a warehouse containing 118 kilograms of cannabis was raided, highlighting the agency’s efforts to disrupt drug distribution networks. Meanwhile, in Edo state, the arrest of Kole Samuel with 75 kilograms of cannabis underscores the agency’s focus on targeting individuals involved in the cultivation and distribution of illicit substances.

Additionally, NDLEA operatives conducted a successful raid in the Oloma-Okpe forest in Akoko Edo LGA, destroying a significant quantity of cannabis plants cultivated on farmland. This operation represents a proactive approach to disrupting drug production at its source, further emphasizing the agency’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking in Nigeria.

The series of arrests and seizures by the NDLEA underscore the agency’s dedication to combating the illicit drug trade and safeguarding communities across Nigeria. With continued vigilance and collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, the NDLEA remains steadfast in its mission to create a drug-free society.