The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) continues to tighten its grip on drug trafficking across Nigeria, with recent interceptions highlighting the agency’s relentless efforts. At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, NDLEA operatives uncovered a shipment of 800 grams of Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, ingeniously concealed within noodles bound for Congo. This discovery led to a follow-up operation at Alaba International Market, where Nnamani Sunday Sunny, the sender of the illicit consignment and a GSM handset dealer, was apprehended.
Simultaneously, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, a Vietnam-bound businessman, Paul Okwuy Mbadugha, was intercepted after testing positive for ingesting cocaine. Mbadugha, a 54-year-old Lagos-based trader, was preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight to Hanoi when NDLEA operatives detained him. Over four days, under strict observation, he excreted 88 wraps of cocaine with a gross weight of 1.710 kilograms. In his confession, Mbadugha revealed that he had been given the drug by a friend in the Isolo area of Lagos for delivery in Vietnam, promising him a fee of $2,000 upon successful delivery.
Massive Recovery of N6.2 Billion Worth of Codeine Bottles at Onne Port
In one of its largest seizures to date, the NDLEA has recovered a massive consignment of codeine-based syrup worth over N6.2 billion at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State. The agency, working alongside the Nigeria Customs Service and other port stakeholders, uncovered 892,400 bottles of the opioid syrup concealed within 5,337 cartons, with a gross weight of 133,860 kilograms. The containers, shipped from India, were subjected to joint examination on August 14th and 15th, 2024, leading to the discovery of the highly addictive substance.
This seizure marks a significant victory in the NDLEA’s fight against the illicit drug trade, particularly the growing abuse of codeine-based products, which have wreaked havoc across Nigerian communities. The NDLEA has emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts with international partners to prevent the importation of such harmful substances, which continue to pose severe public health risks.
70-Year-Old Grandpa Arrested in Ekiti, Ogun Forest Raids
In a series of coordinated raids across forested regions in Ekiti and Ogun states, the NDLEA has arrested several individuals involved in drug trafficking, including a 70-year-old grandfather. These operations, which targeted remote areas known for illicit drug activities, led to the dismantling of several drug dens and the seizure of various narcotics.
The arrest of the elderly suspect underscores the widespread involvement in drug trafficking across all demographics, highlighting the desperation and lengths to which individuals will go to participate in the illegal drug trade. The NDLEA, under its current leadership, has vowed to continue its aggressive crackdown on drug trafficking networks, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where traffickers believe they can operate with impunity. The agency has reiterated its commitment to ridding Nigeria of the scourge of illicit drugs and ensuring that those involved are brought to justice. :: NDLEA Raids Major Drug Farm in Ekiti State and Other Operations Across Nigeria
In a significant crackdown on illegal drug cultivation and trafficking, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), supported by the Nigerian Army, other security agencies, and local community youths, conducted a large-scale operation in Ekiti State. On Wednesday, August 14th, 2024, the operation led to the destruction of a massive 21,800 kilograms of cannabis sativa cultivated on 20 hectares of farmland within the Ise Forest Reserve, specifically at the Saalaja camp in Ise-Ekiti.
This operation marks a critical victory in the ongoing battle against drug cultivation and distribution in Nigeria. The next day, August 15th, NDLEA officers, while patrolling the Onitsha-Enugu road in Enugu State, intercepted a Sienna bus marked SKA-24 AG. The operation led to the recovery of 200.2 kilograms of cannabis and the arrest of the driver, identified as 41-year-old Okoro Emmanuel.
Arrests and Seizures in Multiple States
The NDLEA’s efforts extended beyond Ekiti State, with significant arrests and seizures across the country. On Monday, August 12th, in Kano State, two suspects, Joseph Apeh, 45, and Diamond Nnabuike, 21, were apprehended at Gadar Tamburawa with a staggering 145,400 pills of tramadol. This potent opioid has been a major concern for law enforcement agencies due to its widespread abuse and associated health risks. In Ogun State, the agency continued its relentless pursuit of drug offenders.
On Tuesday, August 13th, a raid in Alaka village led to the arrest of 70-year-old Fidelis Egede, along with three accomplices: Samuel Sylvanus, 31; Jato Samson, 33; and Francis Blessing, 28. The operation uncovered a cannabis plantation spanning six hectares, further highlighting the scale of illegal drug cultivation in the region.
Meanwhile, in Abuja, NDLEA officers patrolling the Kwali-Gwagwalada expressway intercepted a truck on Tuesday, August 13th. The operation resulted in the seizure of 30,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection and the arrest of three suspects: Ifeanyi Sunday, Jeremiah Paul, and Edet Ubokobong. These arrests underscore the agency’s nationwide reach and its commitment to eradicating the distribution of dangerous substances.
In Niger State, the agency’s operatives continued their efforts with the arrest of Ifeanyi Chukwueze in Kontagora town on Thursday, August 15th. He was found in possession of 28,500 pills of tramadol, cleverly concealed within a loudspeaker. Additionally, in Kogi State, Abba Yakubu was arrested on Wednesday, August 14th, with 40,000 pills of tramadol intended for delivery to Kontagora, while Tochukwu Onah, 39, was nabbed on Thursday, August 15th, at Paparanda, Lokoja, with 1,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection.
NDLEA’s Nationwide WADA Campaign and Commendations
The NDLEA has not only been focused on enforcement but has also been actively engaged in public sensitization through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. Throughout the week, various NDLEA Commands across the country continued to educate and advocate against drug abuse through lectures and visits to diverse groups.
These activities included a sensitization lecture at the College of Nursing Science in Awgu, Enugu State, and visits to traditional rulers in Umuahia North, Abia State, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunleye III, in Ondo State. The campaign also reached the Dein of Agbor, Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I, in Delta State, among others. These efforts are crucial in the NDLEA’s strategy to curb drug abuse through education and community engagement.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and men involved in these operations, particularly those from the NAIA, MMIA, PHPC, FCT, Kogi, Ogun, Ekiti, Kano, Enugu, and Niger Commands. He praised their dedication to the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, emphasizing the importance of continuing the WADA sensitization and advocacy efforts. Marwa’s commendation highlights the ongoing commitment of the NDLEA to safeguard communities across Nigeria from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking, reinforcing the agency’s role as a key player in national security and public health.
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