NDLEA Intercepts Illicit Drug Consignments Concealed in Baby Food Tins and Cloths

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in combating drug trafficking with the recent interception of multiple consignments of illicit drugs. These drugs were cleverly concealed in tins of Cerelac baby food and cloths intended for export to the United States and the United Kingdom. The seizures occurred at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and a courier firm in Lagos, underscoring the agency’s vigilance and effectiveness in drug interdiction operations.

On July 31, 2024, NDLEA operatives recovered 36 parcels of a potent strain of cannabis hidden in six cartons of tins of Nestle Cerelac baby food at the SAHCOL export shed of Lagos airport. The psychotropic substance, weighing a total of 18.50 kilograms, was meticulously packaged to avoid detection. However, the expertise and diligence of the NDLEA officers ensured the discovery and seizure of these dangerous drugs.

Arrests Made in Connection with Drug Shipments

Following the interception of the illicit consignments, the NDLEA conducted follow-up operations that led to significant arrests. Salaudeen Suliat Abiola, a freight agent who presented the cannabis-laden consignment for export to the UK, was immediately apprehended. Subsequent investigations took NDLEA operatives to Ibadan, Oyo State, where they arrested Bello Motunrayo Folu, the sender of the cargo, at her residence in the Mofoluwasho Estate, Elewuro, Akobo area.

The modus operandi involved tampering with the bottoms of factory-sealed Cerelac tins, filling them with cannabis, and covering the substances with loose quantities of the infant cereal to prevent detection. This elaborate concealment effort was rendered futile by the alertness of the NDLEA officers. The agency’s continued success in intercepting such consignments highlights the importance of thorough inspections and intelligence-led operations in curbing drug trafficking.

Seizures of Psychoactive Substances Concealed in Cloths and Vehicles

In addition to the cannabis consignment, the NDLEA intercepted five different shipments of opioids and other psychoactive substances concealed in cloths and various items destined for the US and UK. On July 29, 2024, NDLEA operatives at a logistics company in Lagos seized shipments containing 820 grams of promethazine and pentazocine injections heading to the United States. Four other parcels, containing over two kilograms of opioids such as tramadol 225mg, molly, and NPS, were intercepted en route to the United Kingdom.

Furthermore, the agency reported seizing shipments of the drug known as Loud, hidden in body compartments of four vehicles imported from Canada. These successful operations resulted in the arrest of 10 individuals across Lagos, Ondo, Edo, and Kogi states. The NDLEA’s relentless efforts in these raids emphasize their commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and ensuring public safety.

Major Drug Busts at Tincan Port, Lagos

In a significant crackdown, operatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Tincan Port, Lagos, recovered 77 packages of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, on Friday, 2nd August. The illicit drugs were concealed within the body compartments of four imported vehicles: Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Toyota Corolla, and Toyota Sienna. This operation was part of a joint examination conducted with the Nigerian Customs Service and other stakeholders.

The seized packages had a combined weight of 38.5 kilograms. Two suspects, Salami Abiodun Sunday, 34, and Lekan Atoyebi, 33, who were responsible for clearing the shipments, have been detained. This seizure underscores the ongoing efforts of the NDLEA to curb drug trafficking through Nigeria’s major ports.

Extensive Seizures and Arrests Across States By NDLEA

The NDLEA’s efforts were not limited to Lagos. In Mushin Ojuoye, Lagos, Isiagu Sunday was arrested on Thursday, 1st August, with 1,740 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 174 liters and 1,070 tablets of Molly weighing 600 grams. Additionally, a major operation in Ondo State led to the recovery of 50 bags of cannabis, totaling 520 kilograms, from the Isuada bush in the Owo council area. Five suspects were apprehended in connection with this seizure at the Itaogbolu forest in Akure North LG area. Those arrested include Jimoh Omotosho, 63; Donald Obi, 62; Emmanuel Patrick, 21; Kayode Oluwaseun, 39; and John Nsikan, 34.

In Edo State, 22.5 bags of cannabis weighing 220 kilograms were seized from Egbeta community in the Ovia North East area on Tuesday, 30th July, resulting in the arrest of Osayede Aghoma. Another suspect, Ibrahim Abubakar, 55, was caught on Wednesday, 31st July, with 40 blocks of cannabis weighing 19.2 kilograms along the Okene-Lokoja highway in a commercial bus traveling from Lagos to Kano. These arrests highlight the NDLEA’s widespread and effective operations across multiple states.

War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Campaigns

The NDLEA has also been vigorously pursuing its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, conducting sensitization activities in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities. In the past week, these activities included lectures and advocacy visits. Notably, students and staff of Khuddam College of Health Technology in Kofar Kaura, Katsina State, received enlightenment lectures. Similar efforts were made at the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba, Delta State, and among the youth of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Okpuno Awka, Anambra State. An advocacy visit was also made to the Lisa of Ifon and community leaders in Ondo State.

Commending the relentless efforts of officers and men from the MMIA, Kogi, Edo, Ondo, Lagos, and Tincan commands, as well as those from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI), NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) praised their achievements in reducing drug supply. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining the zeal and tempo in their operations, balancing enforcement with WADA sensitization activities.