NDLEA Triumphantly Nabs Businessman at Enugu Airport for Shocking Cocaine Ingestion

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Osuoha Christian Iheanacho, a 50-year-old businessman, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu after he ingested 90 wraps of cocaine. Iheanacho was intercepted on November 20, 2024, during a routine screening for passengers arriving from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, via Ethiopian Airlines. Following extensive intelligence gathering and surveillance, NDLEA operatives placed Iheanacho on excretion observation, resulting in the retrieval of 90 cocaine pellets weighing 2.019 kilograms from him.

Investigations revealed that Iheanacho, a Lagos-based businessman who deals in phones and accessories, began his journey from Gabon, traveled by road to Douala, Cameroon, and boarded a flight to Addis Ababa, where he ingested the drug pellets. He allegedly resorted to this high-stakes trafficking attempt to boost his struggling business, unaware that he had been under NDLEA surveillance for three months.

NDLEA Cracks Down on Two Major Cocaine Syndicates in Lagos

In a coordinated operation, NDLEA operatives dismantled a notorious cocaine cartel led by 42-year-old Ndive Maxwell Obinna in Lagos. Obinna and five of his associates were arrested on November 21, 2024, at Ago Palace Way, Okota, Isolo. Officers recovered 2.412 kilograms of cocaine from the syndicate, which included Okeke Gloria Ifeoma, the group’s stash keeper, and accomplices Ikechebelu Emmanuel Chibuzor, Okorie Onyedikachi, Okonkwo Nnabugo Prince, and Okafor Blessing Anita. This arrest highlights the NDLEA’s unyielding efforts to dismantle organized drug networks operating across Nigeria.

Simultaneously, the NDLEA apprehended Tianzhen Yen, a 58-year-old Chinese national, believed to be the leader of another drug trafficking ring. Yen was arrested at a hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, following the seizure of 750 grams of cocaine from a courier en route to Ghana. Yen’s arrest led to the discovery of methamphetamine, electronic scales, and further cocaine at his hotel, reinforcing NDLEA’s resolve in combating international drug trafficking.

Massive Seizure of Opioids at Nigerian Ports, Valued at N4.3 Billion

NDLEA agents at Tincan and Onne ports seized a substantial quantity of illicit opioids, valued at N4.326 billion. During an inspection on November 21, 2024, at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Rivers State, officers intercepted two containers loaded with codeine syrup and tramadol. The containers contained 168,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup valued at N1.176 billion and 4.5 million pills of super royal tramadol 225mg, worth N3.15 billion. Meanwhile, a joint operation at Lagos’s Tincan Port led to the seizure of 92 parcels of a synthetic cannabis variant, Loud, hidden within imported vehicles.

The seizure of these opioids underscores Nigeria’s escalating challenges in controlling synthetic drug imports, with NDLEA efforts increasingly focused on stopping these shipments from entering the country. The agency has intensified surveillance efforts and collaboration with Customs and other security agencies to prevent opioid proliferation.

Nationwide Drug Raids and Community Outreach Strengthen NDLEA’s War on Drugs

In addition to major port operations, NDLEA officers conducted extensive raids across Nigerian states, resulting in arrests and seizures. Notable operations included the capture of a physically challenged woman, Mustapha Boja, with 286 grams of cannabis in Ekiti, and the confiscation of 64 kilograms of cannabis in Ibadan. Edo State also witnessed significant seizures, with officers recovering over 1,200 kilograms of cannabis during forest raids and arrests at various locations. In Bauchi and Kano, multiple suspects were apprehended for trafficking cannabis blocks and other drugs.

The NDLEA continues its drug abuse awareness initiatives under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) program. Outreach activities include educational lectures in schools and communities to educate Nigerian youth on the dangers of drug abuse. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa praised these enforcement efforts, commending NDLEA’s commitment to balancing drug supply reduction with demand reduction across the country.