Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully intercepted an enormous consignment of opioids and cannabis, valued at a staggering N14.9 billion. This operation took place at the Tincan port complex in Lagos, where a total of 25 million pills of tapentadol, an opioid three times stronger than tramadol, were discovered alongside 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup. The seizures occurred on September 17 and September 20, 2024, and were the result of thorough intelligence monitoring by the NDLEA.
The tapentadol pills, packed in 500 cartons, were found in one of the containers, while another contained 175,000 bottles of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine. The third container held 175,000 bottles of CSC cough syrup with codeine. The estimated street value of the tapentadol alone is around N13.7 billion, with the codeine syrup valued at N2.45 billion, underscoring the scale of the drug trafficking issue facing Nigeria.
Arrest of Key Suspects and Community Leaders
The NDLEA’s operations extended beyond just the seizure of drugs. On September 20, an 80-year-old grandfather, identified as Pa Aremu Shojobi, was arrested in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, with 14 kilograms of cannabis at his residence. During questioning, Shojobi admitted to being involved in the illegal drug trade for 25 years, sourcing his supplies from Benin Republic and selling directly to customers. His case highlights the alarming trend of older individuals being involved in drug trafficking, raising concerns about the effectiveness of anti-drug campaigns targeting youth.
Additionally, NDLEA operatives targeted the home of a community leader and Sarkin Yamma of Badagry West LCDA, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Talba. Although Talba remains at large, his two wives and son were apprehended, leading to the recovery of 226 kilograms of cannabis. The raids yielded 93 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa from Talba’s first wife and son, while his second wife was found in possession of 302 compressed blocks. This incident reveals a disturbing connection between community leadership and drug trafficking, complicating the fight against narcotics in Nigeria.
Continuing Challenges in Nigeria’s Drug War
In another operation, NDLEA agents intercepted a Mitsubishi delivery van in Ojo, Lagos, uncovering 720 blocks of Arizona cannabis weighing 390 kilograms. These successive seizures paint a grim picture of the drug landscape in Nigeria, where organized trafficking networks continue to thrive. The ongoing efforts of the NDLEA to combat these illicit activities are crucial, but they also underline the necessity for more comprehensive strategies, including community engagement and education.
The involvement of community leaders in drug trafficking raises significant questions about local governance and accountability. As the NDLEA presses on with its initiatives, addressing the socio-economic factors that fuel drug trafficking will be paramount. The recent operations not only showcase the agency’s commitment but also highlight the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to effectively tackle the complex drug issues facing Nigeria today.
NDLEA’s Ongoing Battle Against Drug Trafficking: Recent Arrests and Seizures
On Sunday, September 15th, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made a significant bust at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). A 38-year-old drug mule, Okafor Ifeanyi Anthony, was apprehended while attempting to board a Qatar Airlines flight to Iran via Doha. He was found to have ingested 76 wraps of cocaine, totaling 1.267 kg. After a three-day observation period for excretion, Okafor successfully excreted all the pellets, confirming the suspicions of the NDLEA officers.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of drug trafficking through international airports in Nigeria. The NDLEA’s vigilance at key transit points underscores their commitment to combatting the influx of narcotics. Okafor’s case serves as a reminder of the lengths to which traffickers will go, often risking their health and lives to smuggle drugs across borders.
Significant Drug Discoveries in Kogi and Rivers States
In Kogi State, NDLEA officers on patrol along the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway made a staggering discovery on Tuesday, September 17th, recovering 700,000 pills of Exol-5, a dangerous synthetic drug, which originated from Lagos and was intended for distribution in Kano and Kaduna. Additionally, on September 20th, operatives arrested 23-year-old Udemefuna Chibuike along the Mokwa-Jebba road in Niger State, seizing an alarming cache of 49,000 tramadol tablets, 20,000 diazepam tablets, and other narcotics.
Further operations led to the interception of 451 blocks of cannabis weighing 213 kg along Azikiwe Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The suspect, 33-year-old Ogochukwu Paul, was apprehended while transporting the drugs to a known drug haven in Borikiri. These operations highlight the NDLEA’s robust efforts to disrupt drug distribution networks across the country, reinforcing the agency’s mandate to safeguard public health.
National Awareness and Education Efforts
In tandem with their enforcement actions, the NDLEA has intensified its public awareness initiatives under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA). Throughout the past week, NDLEA officers have engaged with communities, schools, and market traders, delivering educational lectures and resources to combat drug abuse. Notable activities included sessions at Rayhaan Model Academy in Kebbi State, Government Day Secondary School in Katsina State, and Technical College in Enugu State, among others.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the agency’s officers across various commands for their operational successes. He emphasized the importance of both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts, highlighting the agency’s holistic approach to tackling the drug crisis in Nigeria. The continued focus on community engagement is essential in fostering a drug-free society and reducing the prevalence of substance abuse among vulnerable populations.
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