NDLEA Intercepts Illicit Drug Consignment in Commercial Bus

NDLEA operatives have successfully intercepted a consignment of illicit drugs concealed in the engine compartment of an interstate commercial bus, marking a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking. The operation took place on Thursday, 7th March 2024, along the Gbongan – Ibadan road in Osun state. During a routine stop and search operation, officers discovered no fewer than 5.2kg of cannabis sativa and opioids carefully hidden within the bus marked VDY 187 XA. The driver of the bus, identified as Iorliam Sughnen Dominic, aged 35, claimed responsibility for the concealment and has been apprehended for further investigation.

This latest seizure underscores the relentless efforts of the NDLEA in curbing the illicit drug trade within the country. By intercepting such consignments, law enforcement agencies aim to disrupt the operations of drug traffickers and prevent the circulation of harmful substances in society. The successful operation also highlights the importance of vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public in combating drug-related crimes.

Arrests Made in Connection with Drug Trafficking

In a related development, the NDLEA has made significant arrests in connection with drug trafficking activities across various states in Nigeria. On Wednesday, 6th March, authorities apprehended a 26-year-old woman, Obasanmi Esther Iyanu, during a raid on her hideout in Osogbo, the capital of Osun state. The raid yielded the discovery of approximately 16.5 litres of skuchies, along with various quantities of molly and cannabis. Iyanu, who is alleged to produce and distribute these illicit substances, has been taken into custody as investigations continue into her illegal activities.

Additionally, in Borno state, two grandfathers, identified as Mallam Mai Gemu Adam, aged 70, and Yamama Musa, aged 65, were arrested for their involvement in drug trafficking. The arrests occurred on Saturday, 9th March, along with two other individuals, Abubakar Ya’u and Babagana Abubakar Ali, in Maiduguri and Gamboru-Ngala respectively. During the operation, authorities recovered a substantial quantity of tramadol injection ampoules totaling 32,000 units. These arrests highlight the diverse demographics involved in drug trafficking and emphasize the need for comprehensive enforcement strategies to address the issue effectively.

Interceptions and Seizures Across States

Furthermore, NDLEA operatives have intercepted illicit drug shipments in various states, further disrupting the activities of drug traffickers. In Yobe state, a Golf 3 salon car en route to Gagamari in Niger republic was intercepted in Geidam. The occupant, identified as Alhaji Mala Tijjani, aged 28, was apprehended while attempting to deliver 40 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.5kg to another dealer. Similarly, along Katsina road in Kaduna state, authorities seized 42 cartons containing 8,400 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 1,260 kilograms from a driver named Mutari Ya’u, aged 29, on Tuesday, 5th March.

These interceptions underscore the widespread nature of drug trafficking activities and the importance of interagency cooperation in combating the illegal drug trade. The NDLEA remains committed to its mandate of safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of illicit drugs and will continue to employ proactive measures to achieve this objective.

NDLEA Operations Sweep Across Nigeria

In a series of coordinated operations across Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant breakthroughs in combating drug trafficking. In Kano state, on Thursday 7th March, Nura Yusuf, 35, was apprehended by NDLEA operatives in the Gadar Tamburawa area with a staggering 62kg of cannabis. Simultaneously, Abubakar Sani, 40, was caught with 244 bottles of codeine syrup, and Mohammad Alkali, 28, was found in possession of 49,800 pills of tramadol along the Kano-Maiduguri road. These arrests underscore the agency’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking in the region.

Lagos State: Crackdown on Drug Trafficking Continues

In a separate operation on Wednesday 6th March, NDLEA officers in Lagos state arrested Aba Thomas at the Igbo Elerin area. The raid resulted in the seizure of 84 litres of skuchies, 1.1 litres of codeine syrup, 4kg of cannabis sativa, and 800 tablets of tramadol 225mg. These arrests reflect the agency’s ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within the state.

Nationwide Crackdown Yields Multiple Arrests

On Friday 8th March, NDLEA officers conducted a raid on the notorious Karu abattoir drug joint in the FCT, Abuja. Eight suspects were apprehended, including Buhari Muhammadu, Jamilu Muhammed, Abubakar Wappa, Yahaya Tasiu, Ezekiel Mulanda, Abba Haruna, Habibu Umar, and Shamsu Lawali. The operation resulted in the recovery of 51.3kg of cannabis, further disrupting drug trafficking activities in the nation’s capital.

Plateau and Kogi States: Continued Vigilance

In Plateau state, Pam Thomas, 45, and Stephen Nyam, 38, were arrested on Monday 4th March with 611.428kg of cannabis at Zawan, Jos South. Additionally, NDLEA officers intercepted a commercial J5 bus traveling from Onitsha, Anambra state, to Zaria, Kaduna state, on Wednesday 6th March along the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway. The interception led to the seizure of 8,580 pills of tramadol and exol-5 from a suspect, Yusuf Abdullahi, 40.

These operations highlight the agency’s determination to tackle drug trafficking across state borders.In Enugu, operatives raided locked-up shops at the new market in the metropolitan area on Tuesday 5th March. The operation resulted in the recovery of 371.42kg of cannabis and 9.49 grams of methamphetamine, further disrupting drug supply chains in the region.

NDLEA’s Comprehensive Approach

In addition to enforcement actions, NDLEA Commands nationwide have been conducting War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaigns. These campaigns include sensitization lectures for students and visits to community leaders and government officials. Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the efforts of NDLEA Commands across the country and urged them to maintain vigilance in both drug supply reduction and demand reduction activities.