NDLEA Arrests Paris-Bound Businessman for Ingesting 74 Wraps of Heroin and Cocaine

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a 48-year-old businessman, Orizu Ifeanyi Arthur, for attempting to smuggle heroin and cocaine to Paris, France. The suspect was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, on Sunday, December 22, 2024, while boarding Air France flight 844.

Orizu’s arrest followed a failed attempt to evade a body scan at the airport’s boarding gate. Claiming a medical condition as an excuse to avoid the scan, he was instead taken into custody for excretion observation. Over seven days, Orizu excreted a total of 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine, a significant seizure of the dangerous Class A drugs. During interrogation, Orizu confessed that he was promised €3,000 for successfully delivering the drugs to Paris. He disclosed that he operates a shop in Balogun Market, Lagos, where he sells school and travel bags and had traveled from Lagos to Abuja to board the Paris-bound flight, hoping to bypass security checks.

NDLEA Intercepts Boats with Illicit Drugs at Lagos Beach, Arrests 6 Foreign Nationals

In a related development, NDLEA operatives intercepted two boats laden with illicit drug consignments at Eleko Beach, Lagos. The operation, carried out on the same day as Orizu’s arrest, led to the capture of six foreign nationals, including individuals from Ghana and Benin Republic. The agency’s swift action underscores its commitment to dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks.

The NDLEA revealed that the intercepted consignments comprised a mix of narcotics concealed within the vessels. The six arrested suspects were taken into custody for further investigation. The agency has reiterated its zero-tolerance approach toward drug trafficking, emphasizing its resolve to disrupt supply chains and apprehend both local and international traffickers. This operation, along with the arrest of Orizu, reflects NDLEA’s growing success in combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria.

Massive Drug Seizures in Lagos and Katsina

In a major interdiction operation, operatives of the Marine Command of NDLEA intercepted two boats laden with 1,960 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a potent cannabis strain, at Eleko Beach, Lekki, Lagos, at 2:30 am on Christmas Eve, December 24th. The consignment, believed to have been smuggled from Ghana, led to the arrest of six foreign nationals. The suspects included two Ghanaians, Godsway John (38) and Freedom Kelvin (33), and four Beninese nationals, Chegoun Hounsou (23), Gadabor Nyameto (47), Adantg Sasa (34), and Ayao Kayivi (21).

In Katsina, NDLEA operatives apprehended two suspects in separate incidents for possession of compressed cannabis sativa. Ibrahim Shaibu (35) was caught with 40 parcels weighing 35kg on Christmas Day at the Central Motor Park, while Umar Ahmed (47) was intercepted with 27 parcels weighing 13.5kg along the Zaria-Malumfashi road on December 28th. These seizures underscore the agency’s relentless efforts to stem the flow of illicit drugs across the country.

Edo State Raids and WADA Advocacy Campaigns

On December 23rd, NDLEA operatives raided an area along New Lagos Road in Benin City, Edo State, leading to the arrest of Kosisochukwu Ozigbo (21). The operation resulted in the seizure of 32,490 pills of tramadol in varying dosages, 936 bottles of codeine-based syrup, and quantities of other opioids. This highlights the agency’s focus on tackling the distribution of both illicit substances and prescription drug abuse.

In addition to its enforcement operations, the NDLEA ramped up its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaigns. In Lagos, the Strategic Command collaborated with Menitos Foundation to deliver sensitization lectures to Akoka community residents. Similarly, in Adamawa, the agency educated members of Jama’atul Nasril Islam during their annual first aid group and leadership camping. These initiatives aim to foster awareness and encourage collective action against drug abuse nationwide.

Marwa Commends Efforts and Calls for Greater Action in 2025

The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), lauded the exemplary efforts of the Marine, Katsina, Edo, and NAIA Commands in their recent operations. While acknowledging the successes achieved in 2024, he urged officers and men of the agency to sustain and amplify their offensive actions against drug barons and cartels in 2025. He emphasized the importance of balancing enforcement with community sensitization to create a holistic approach to combating drug abuse.

With a strong end to 2024, the NDLEA’s operations and advocacy efforts reaffirm its commitment to securing a drug-free Nigeria, setting high expectations for the new year.