NDLEA’s Massive Drug Seizure at Lagos and Port Harcourt Ports

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a significant breakthrough in its ongoing war against drug trafficking, intercepting over 31 million pills and bottles of opioids valued at N17.9 billion at the Lagos Tincan Seaport and Port Harcourt Port Complex. The intercepted drugs, consisting primarily of tramadol and codeine-based syrups, were being smuggled into the country from India, concealed in containers flagged by the agency for thorough examination.

At the Lagos Tincan Seaport, NDLEA operatives discovered 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup hidden within two containers on August 29th and 30th, 2024. Meanwhile, in Port Harcourt, a larger cache of drugs was uncovered, including 29.8 million pills of tramadol and 380,000 bottles of codeine syrup. The seized tramadol pills were branded under various names, such as Royal Tapentadol, Carisoprodol 225mg, and Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride 225mg. This successful operation highlights the NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting public health.

Tramadol Smuggling Foiled at Port Harcourt Airport

In a related development, NDLEA operatives at the Port Harcourt International Airport arrested a suspect, Eze Emekan Don, on August 27th, 2024. The suspect was caught attempting to smuggle 1,490 pills of tramadol concealed as cosmetic products while boarding a flight to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. His attempt to bribe the officers was unsuccessful, leading to his arrest and the seizure of the illicit drugs.

This incident underscores the NDLEA’s vigilance in airports and other points of entry, ensuring that drug traffickers are apprehended before they can distribute their dangerous products. The agency continues to monitor and intercept drug shipments, preventing their circulation in the Nigerian market.

Wanted Ex-Beauty Queen Surrenders After Months in Hiding

A significant development in the NDLEA’s operations occurred when a wanted ex-beauty queen, Ms. Aderinoye Queen Christmas, surrendered to the Lagos Command of the agency on August 28th, 2024. Ms. Christmas, also known as Ms. Queen Oluwadamilola Aderinoye, had been on the run for eight months after escaping a raid on her residence in Lekki, Lagos, in January 2024. She was declared wanted for her involvement in drug trafficking, particularly the distribution of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis.

During the January raid, NDLEA operatives recovered 606 grams of Canadian Loud, an electronic weighing scale, drug packaging materials, and a black RAV 4 SUV from her residence. Ms. Christmas, who was crowned Miss Commonwealth Nigeria Culture 2015/2016, finally surrendered after hiding in Akure, Ondo State. Her surrender marks a significant victory for the NDLEA in its efforts to bring drug traffickers to justice.

Nationwide Crackdown on Drug Trafficking Continues

The NDLEA’s recent operations extend beyond the ports and airports, as the agency continues its crackdown on drug trafficking across Nigeria. On August 26th, 2024, NDLEA operatives arrested Mustapha Ibrahim in Ajah, Lagos, seizing 1,122 kilograms of cannabis. The same day, in Niger State, a suspect named Friday Gabriel was apprehended while transporting 1,900 capsules of tramadol, 300 bottles of codeine syrup, and 600 packets of exol-5 tablets along the Minna-Suleja road.

In Bauchi State, two suspects were arrested on August 31st, 2024, while transporting 246.4 kilograms of cannabis concealed in a J5 bus. These arrests highlight the NDLEA’s relentless pursuit of drug traffickers, ensuring that these harmful substances do not reach the streets and communities.

NDLEA’s Commitment to Drug War and Public Safety

The NDLEA’s recent successes in intercepting large quantities of opioids and apprehending drug traffickers demonstrate the agency’s unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse in Nigeria. The Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the agency’s officers for their vigilance and professionalism, particularly those involved in the operations at the Lagos and Port Harcourt ports, as well as the Special Operations Unit.

Brig. Gen. Marwa also praised the collaboration between the NDLEA and other security agencies, which has been instrumental in the successful interception of these drug shipments. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and support from all stakeholders in the fight against drug trafficking, ensuring a safer and healthier society for all Nigerians. The NDLEA’s efforts extend beyond enforcement, as the agency also engages in sensitization activities across the country, educating the public on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of a drug-free society.