High-Stakes Drug Trafficking: NDLEA Arrests Onitsha Businessman at Lagos Airport

In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended Ibeanusi Solomon Nosike, a businessman based in Onitsha, Anambra State, for attempting to smuggle cocaine out of Nigeria. Nosike was arrested in the early hours of Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the old domestic terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, as he prepared to board a flight to Abuja. His final destination was Hanoi, Vietnam, with a scheduled connection via Qatar Airways from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja.

The arrest followed a tip-off and subsequent surveillance that revealed Nosike had traveled to Lagos from Onitsha the previous day, where he lodged in a hotel before swallowing 68 wraps of cocaine. After his arrest, NDLEA operatives placed Nosike under excretion observation, a process that lasted 12 days, during which he excreted the cocaine pellets weighing 1.282 kilograms.

Rising Trend: NDLEA Nabs Another Vietnam-Bound Businessman with Cocaine

In a related incident, the NDLEA arrested another businessman, Paul Okwuy Mbadugha, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday, August 12, 2024. Mbadugha, 54, was apprehended during the outward clearance for a Qatar Airways flight to Hanoi, Vietnam, after tests indicated he had ingested cocaine.

Mbadugha was placed under observation, and within four days, he excreted 88 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.710 kilograms. The NDLEA’s swift action in apprehending these traffickers underscores the increasing trend of drug smuggling to Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, and highlights the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking through rigorous surveillance and intelligence-driven operations.

Expanding Operations: NDLEA Arrests Drug Syndicate Leader at Seme Border

Beyond individual arrests, the NDLEA’s operations extend to dismantling drug trafficking syndicates operating across Nigeria’s borders. On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, operatives of a Special Operations Unit within the NDLEA arrested five female drug traffickers at the Seme border. The syndicate, led by 42-year-old Olaribigbe Bashirat Feyisara, was returning to Lagos from Ghana when they were intercepted.

Feyisara, who had been under the NDLEA’s radar, was arrested along with her accomplices: Abogun Fatimah Ladidi, Osibeluwo Tolulope Oluwaseun, Akanni Balikis Oluwatoyin, and Ajetumobi Amudalat. Upon their arrest, operatives recovered 14 packs of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 6.97 kilograms, hidden in various parts of their bodies. This operation is part of the NDLEA’s broader strategy to curb cross-border drug trafficking and ensure that syndicates are brought to justice.

Major Drug Bust at Tincan Seaport Uncovers Billions Worth of Codeine Syrup

In a significant operation at the Tincan seaport in Lagos on Friday, August 23rd, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted two containers carrying a massive haul of codeine-based syrup. The containers, which originated from Mundra port in India, were discovered during a joint examination involving other port stakeholders. Inside, authorities found no fewer than 1,596 cartons containing 319,200 bottles of the opioid-laden syrup, with an estimated street value of N2.23 billion.

This seizure marks one of the largest drug busts in recent times at Nigerian ports, highlighting the persistent challenge of drug trafficking through maritime routes. The successful interception underscores the NDLEA’s continued vigilance and collaboration with other agencies in combating the illicit drug trade, which poses severe risks to public health and safety.

Arrests in Edo and Lagos as NDLEA Expands Crackdown on Illicit Drug Sales

The NDLEA’s crackdown on drug-related activities continued with notable arrests in Edo and Lagos states. In Edo, two young women were apprehended for selling illicit drugs online. Martha Owotorofa, 26, was arrested at Kada Plaza in Benin City with quantities of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Odion Uzordinma was caught at the Ugbowo area of the city in possession of 30 cups of cookies and 17 slices of cake, all laced with illicit substances. Additionally, a raid in Oghada village, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, led to the arrest of 50-year-old Saturday Edobor, who was found with 288.8 kg of cannabis.

In Lagos, the NDLEA made another significant arrest on Wednesday, August 21st, when a suspect, Godwill Davidson, was found with 3,834 bottles of codeine syrup, 5,200 pills of Co-Codamol, and 11,880 tablets of Rohypnol in the Mushin area. The same day, 23-year-old Yahaya Ibrahim was nabbed along the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway in Kogi State with 42,000 pills of tramadol. The drugs were reportedly en route from Asaba, Delta State, to Potiskum, Yobe State.

Nationwide WADA Sensitization Campaigns Target Schools, Workplaces, and Communities

As part of its ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse, the NDLEA has been actively conducting its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns across various states. In the past week, these activities have reached schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities, with a focus on educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of staying drug-free.

In Adamawa State, pupils at Dan Amus Sangaya School in Sabon Layi, Gombi, were given an enlightening lecture on drug prevention. Similarly, in Enugu State, workers at transport companies in Garki, Enugu, received training on identifying and avoiding drug-related risks. The campaign also extended to students and staff of the Kaduna State School of Nursing, Kaduna, and included an advocacy visit to the management of Chrisland University in Abeokuta, Ogun State. These initiatives are part of the NDLEA’s broader strategy to build a drug-free society through education and community engagement.