NDLEA Intercepts Massive Drug Shipment Worth N3.3 Billion from Canada

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has achieved a significant breakthrough in its ongoing battle against drug trafficking, intercepting two massive consignments of methamphetamine and Loud cannabis imported from Canada. The interception, which occurred in December 2024, represents one of the most substantial drug seizures in recent Nigerian history, with a combined street value exceeding N3.3 billion.

The operation demonstrates the NDLEA’s increasingly sophisticated intelligence capabilities, tracking these illicit shipments across three continents before successfully interdicting them at the Tincan seaport in Lagos. The meticulous monitoring began in October 2024, when the agency first detected the shipments originating in Toronto, Canada, and followed their complex transit through Montreal and Antwerp before arriving in Nigeria.

Detailed Seizure Breakdown: Meth and Cannabis Concealed in Automobile Parts

Investigators discovered the drugs cunningly concealed within automobile spare parts and vehicles. The first container, examined on December 12th, revealed 5.001 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a bag wrapped in a bed sheet, which was found inside a Toyota Camry. Immediately following this discovery, businessman Isaac Onwumere was arrested in connection with the shipment.

A subsequent examination on December 13th uncovered an even more substantial haul: 1,735 parcels of Loud cannabis packed in 44 jumbo bags, weighing 867.5 kilograms, along with 87 packs of methamphetamine totaling 78.3 kilograms. Two additional businessmen, Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe, were apprehended in connection with this shipment, highlighting the organized nature of the drug trafficking operation.

Strategic Interception and Complex International Tracking

The NDLEA’s operation was a result of months of intricate intelligence gathering and cross-continental tracking. By monitoring the shipments from their origin in Canada through transit points in Europe, the agency demonstrated an unprecedented level of investigative sophistication. The drugs were tracked through multiple stages: from Toronto to Montreal, then to Antwerp, Belgium, before finally being shipped to Lagos.

This method of tracking allowed the NDLEA to build a comprehensive understanding of the smuggling route and the individuals involved, ultimately leading to the successful interception and arrests. The joint examination with Customs and other port stakeholders further underscores the collaborative approach in combating international drug trafficking.

Rivers State: NDLEA Seizes N4.4 Billion Worth of Opioids

At the Onne Port in Rivers State, NDLEA officers intercepted a massive shipment of 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup, valued at N4.4 billion, from India. The seizures occurred on December 9, 11, and 13, during a joint examination of four containers. This operation followed credible intelligence, showcasing the agency’s robust international collaboration and surveillance capabilities.

The seized opioids were part of NDLEA’s broader crackdown on illicit drugs in the country. Brig. Gen. Marwa praised the Rivers State Command for their vigilance and assured continued efforts to disrupt the supply chain of harmful substances, protecting communities from the devastating effects of drug abuse.

Brig. Gen. Marwa Commends NDLEA’s Operational Successes

NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the officers and men involved in these groundbreaking operations. He emphasized the agency’s capacity to track and intercept illicit drug consignments, sending a stern warning to drug cartels operating in and outside Nigeria. Marwa reiterated that continued engagement in illegal drug trade would result in significant financial losses and the inevitable dismantling of criminal networks.

The NDLEA has also sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns nationwide. Recent activities include lectures at schools and community engagements in Anambra, Adamawa, Lagos, Kano, and Oyo states. These efforts reflect the agency’s dual approach: enforcing the law against traffickers while educating citizens on the dangers of drug abuse.

With these remarkable seizures and ongoing educational efforts, the NDLEA continues to solidify its position as a formidable force in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and abuse