In a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations across Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled several cocaine syndicates, leading to the seizure of multi-billion-naira worth of illicit drugs. These operations, which spanned multiple states, highlight the agency’s ongoing commitment to combating drug trafficking and disrupting criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade.
Seizures of US, UK-Bound Cocaine in Concealed Shipments
In a significant breakthrough, NDLEA operatives intercepted two large consignments of cocaine destined for the United States and the United Kingdom. On August 5, 2024, a courier firm in Lagos became the focal point of the operation, where 2.32 kilograms of cocaine hidden within traditional Ghanaian kente fabric was discovered. This shipment was intended for delivery to the United Kingdom. Further inspection by NDLEA sniffer dogs led to the recovery of 10.494 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside heavy-duty automobile pivot shafts. This second shipment was en route to the United States. Combined, the two seizures amounted to a total of 12.814 kilograms of cocaine, showcasing the sophisticated methods employed by drug traffickers to evade detection.
The NDLEA’s efforts did not stop there. On August 9, 2024, the agency intercepted five additional shipments at the same logistics company in Lagos. These included 517 grams of cocaine concealed in clothing materials, various quantities of pentazocine and promethazine injections, cocodamol pills, and 297 pills of tramadol 225mg—all bound for the United Kingdom and Canada. In another operation, NDLEA operatives recovered 21 parcels of “Loud,” a potent synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 10 kilograms, which had been shipped from the United States and was destined for Abuja.
Nationwide Arrests of Cocaine Syndicate Members
The nationwide crackdown on drug syndicates also led to the arrest of several key members involved in cocaine trafficking. On August 7, 2024, NDLEA operatives apprehended Obiora Joseph Agudosi, a member of a notorious cocaine trafficking network, in the Alafia Orile, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos. Agudosi was caught attempting to transport 9 kilograms of cocaine to Onitsha, Anambra State. His arrest marked a significant blow to the network’s operations.
Further operations in Anambra State resulted in the arrests of two more syndicate members. On August 8, 2024, NDLEA agents captured Izuchkwu Arinze and Ameachi Okoro in Nnewi and Oba towns, respectively. These arrests followed the seizure of their cocaine consignments in a GUO transport company bus at Benin, Edo State, earlier that day. The bus driver, Harrison Mbachu, was apprehended at the Benin tollgate with 2.865 kilograms of cocaine. Arinze, 40, was caught attempting to collect his consignment of 1.748 kilograms of cocaine and 514 grams of sodium bicarbonate, while Okoro, 39, was arrested with 1.117 kilograms of cocaine.
NDLEA’s Continued Vigilance Against Drug Trafficking
These recent successes underscore the NDLEA’s relentless efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria. The agency’s ability to intercept such large quantities of illicit drugs and dismantle well-organized syndicates is a testament to its enhanced intelligence-gathering and operational capabilities. As the NDLEA continues to intensify its operations nationwide, drug traffickers and criminal networks face increased challenges in their illegal activities.
The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, emphasized the agency’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking in Nigeria. He stated, “Our recent operations are a clear indication that the NDLEA will leave no stone unturned in its fight against drug trafficking. We will continue to employ all necessary strategies to bring those involved in this illicit trade to justice and protect our communities from the harmful effects of drugs.”
With these ongoing efforts, the NDLEA reaffirms its role as a critical force in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. The agency’s successes in these nationwide raids serve as a warning to drug traffickers that their illegal activities will not go unpunished.
NDLEA Intercepts Major Cannabis Consignments at Tincan Seaport
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made a significant breakthrough on Wednesday, 7th August, when operatives at Tincan Seaport in Lagos intercepted 532 parcels of Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis. Weighing a total of 265.25 kilograms, the contraband was discovered in a black Toyota Sienna bus, which was one of three vehicles contained in a shipment marked MSMU 6029570. The shipment had arrived from Montreal, Canada. The operation was part of a 100% joint examination conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant stakeholders.
Just a day later, on Thursday, 8th August, NDLEA operatives at the same port recorded another success, seizing 75 parcels of the same substance. This second haul, weighing 37.5 kilograms, was found in a container marked FSCU-9274613, also originating from Canada. These back-to-back seizures underscore the agency’s ongoing efforts to curb the inflow of illegal substances into the country, particularly through major entry points like the Tincan Seaport.
Cannabis Busts Across Nigeria Lead to Multiple Arrests
In a related development, NDLEA operatives in Adamawa State, supported by men of Operation Farauta Sector 3, Mayo Belwa, arrested 49-year-old Joseph Peter on Thursday, 8th August. The suspect was caught transporting 425 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing a total of 291.200 kilograms, in a Toyota Camry with registration number Lagos KSF 381 HM. Peter confessed that he was moving the consignment from Edo State with the intent to deliver it in Yola, Adamawa State.
Meanwhile, in Kano, two suspects, Adekunle Sunday Adebayo, 50, and Yahaya Mamuda, 35, were apprehended on Tuesday, 6th August, at Gadar Tamburawa. The duo was found in possession of 29.5 kilograms of cannabis. In a separate operation on Sunday, 4th August, NDLEA operatives in Lagos seized 1,169 kilograms of cannabis from a bus along Orchid Road, Ajah. These arrests highlight the widespread nature of the drug trafficking problem in Nigeria and the NDLEA’s relentless efforts to combat it.
Massive Cannabis Destruction in Kogi and Nationwide WADA Activities
In Kogi State, NDLEA officers, supported by the Nigerian Army, destroyed 1,230 kilograms of cannabis on a three-hectare farmland located in Ikeje forest, Edimogo village, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, on Friday, 9th August. The operation also led to the arrest of the farm’s owner, 40-year-old Danjuma Maji. This destruction is part of the NDLEA’s broader strategy to eradicate the cultivation of illegal substances at the source.
Simultaneously, the NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across the country. Over the past week, the agency has conducted various sensitization activities in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities. These include a WADA enlightenment lecture for women at Fowewe Sofuwa Islamic Centre in Saki, Oyo State; the inauguration of a community drug control committee at Nnando community in Anambra State; an advocacy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, in Kwara State; and a sensitization lecture to members of Ansaru-ud-deen Muslim Society of Nigeria in Ado Ekiti. These initiatives are crucial in the agency’s efforts to reduce the demand for drugs and educate the public on the dangers of substance abuse.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the Special Operations Unit, Tincan, Lagos, Edo, Kano, Kogi, and Adamawa Commands, as well as those of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) for their dedication. He urged all NDLEA operatives nationwide to maintain their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and demand reduction, ensuring a comprehensive fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
