Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended Emmanuel Okechuku Orjinze, a 48-year-old businessman en route to Paris, France. Orjinze, who claims to also be a professional footballer scouting for European clubs, was arrested on Tuesday, May 21st at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja during the outbound clearance of Air France flight AF 878. Following a body scan that revealed he had ingested illicit drugs, Orjinze was placed under observation in NDLEA custody.
Over the course of three days, Orjinze excreted a total of 111 pellets of cocaine, weighing 1.603 kilograms. This method of drug trafficking, while not uncommon, highlights the extreme measures traffickers are willing to take. The NDLEA’s vigilance and use of advanced scanning technology were pivotal in intercepting this shipment, thereby preventing a substantial quantity of narcotics from entering Europe. Orjinze’s dual claim of involvement in both maritime business and professional football underscores the multifaceted lives that some traffickers lead to conceal their illicit activities.
NDLEA Busts Drug Trafficking Syndicate at Lagos Airport
In a parallel operation, NDLEA agents at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, successfully dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate. This operation led to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics: 8 kilograms of methamphetamine and 7.60 kilograms of “Loud,” a potent synthetic strain of cannabis imported from South Africa. The crackdown began on May 21st when a suspect was intercepted in the departure hall of Terminal 1, carrying a backpack and an additional bag. A search revealed the concealed drugs.
Further investigations and swift follow-up operations led to the arrest of Chris Nwadozie and Chinedu Nwaosu in the Ajao Estate area of Lagos. On May 25th, another syndicate member working within the airport was apprehended, highlighting the extensive network and reach of this drug trafficking ring. The NDLEA’s cooperation with Aviation Security officers was crucial in these arrests, underscoring the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking. This operation not only disrupted a significant drug distribution network but also showcased the NDLEA’s relentless efforts in securing Nigerian airports against the smuggling of illicit substances.
By maintaining rigorous surveillance and employing strategic enforcement operations, the NDLEA continues to make substantial strides in the fight against drug trafficking, safeguarding both national and international borders from the perils of narcotics.
Lagos Airport Incident and Igbo Elerin Skuchies Bust
On Wednesday, May 22nd, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made a significant arrest at the NAHCO export shed of the Lagos airport. Sonubi Mariam Abiodun, a freight agent, was detained for attempting to smuggle 2kg of cocaine hidden in three out of six paint buckets filled with shea butter. This attempt to export the illicit drugs to the United Kingdom highlights the continuous efforts of traffickers to exploit creative methods for drug smuggling. The NDLEA’s vigilance at this key international transit point underscores their commitment to curbing drug trafficking activities.
Just a day earlier, on Tuesday, May 21st, another breakthrough occurred in Igbo Elerin, Ojo local government area of Lagos. NDLEA officers apprehended Odumegwu Obijofor, who was involved in the production and distribution of ‘skuchies,’ a dangerous mixture of black currant and illicit drugs. The operation led to the seizure of 2,480 liters of this New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) from his clandestine factory. This arrest underscores the NDLEA’s proactive stance against emerging drug trends and their dedication to protecting public health.
Widespread Seizures and Arrests Across Nigeria
In a separate incident in Cross River state, the NDLEA arrested Ogar Emmanuel with 2.5kg of cannabis in Ukpada Utugwan village. Additionally, 29 sacks of cannabis weighing 290kg were discovered in a warehouse owned by another suspect, Usani Ikpi, who remains at large. These substantial seizures highlight the scale of cannabis distribution networks within the region.
Meanwhile, in Katsina state, three suspects – Sa’adu Sule, 23; Mukhtar Nura, 23; and Hamza Nura, 18 – were apprehended in Jabiri Funtua on Friday, May 24th. They were found transporting 129 blocks of cannabis weighing 70kg from Ogere, Ogun state. This operation underscores the NDLEA’s extensive reach and capability to intercept drug shipments across state borders, disrupting the supply chain of illicit substances.
NDLEA’sNationwide Advocacy and Commendations
The NDLEA’s efforts are not limited to arrests and seizures. Their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign has been making strides in educating the public, particularly the youth, about the dangers of drug abuse. Over the past week, the agency conducted sensitization lectures for students and teachers at several schools across various states, including Osun, Oyo, Kaduna, Gombe, Ogun, Anambra, and Edo. This proactive approach aims to foster a drug-free generation through awareness and education.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has commended the officers and men of the NAIA, MMIA, FCT, Lagos, Cross River, Katsina, and Edo Commands for their remarkable achievements over the past week. He also lauded the continuous efforts of NDLEA commands nationwide in intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures. This comprehensive strategy of enforcement and education reflects the agency’s holistic approach to combating drug abuse and trafficking across Nigeria.
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