By HeapNews
In a series of coordinated operations across Nigeria, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made significant breakthroughs in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, intercepting narcotics, seizing arms, and dismantling cannabis plantations.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, NDLEA officers foiled an attempt to export a consignment of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, to the United Kingdom. The drugs, weighing 3.50 kilograms, were cleverly concealed in a duvet but were discovered during routine checks on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
Two suspects, Adakole Sunday and Austin Balogun, were arrested in connection with the crime. Balogun, identified as the main agent behind the smuggling operation, confessed, “I was paid ₦700,000 to cargo the consignment to the UK but spent most of the money on an apartment and export charges.”
Arms and Psychoactive Substances Recovered in Lagos
In another operation at Igbo Olumo, Ikorodu, Lagos, NDLEA officers raided a hideout and arrested Joseph Oluwasegun Adewale and Biodun Adelakun. Seven litres of a dangerous psychoactive substance known as skuchies, a mix of black currant, cannabis, and opioids—were recovered alongside a cache of firearms, including locally made rifles, pistols, and ammunition.
Additionally, a raid in the notorious Akala area of Mushin on Sunday, January 19, led to the seizure of 47 kilograms of skunk and 25.46 kilograms of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.
Nationwide Crackdown on Drug Trafficking
In Ekiti, a 26-year-old suspect, Adepoju Taiwo, was apprehended on January 23 at Iworoko Road, Ado-Ekiti, with 1.95 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a high-grade strain of cannabis. In Kwara State, Auwal Sani was arrested in Moro Local Government Area with 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg, weighing 36.56 kilograms.
Meanwhile, in Kano, three suspects, including a Nigerien national, were arrested with 13.1 kilograms of skunk and 125 litres of a psychoactive substance called suck and die. NDLEA operatives also discovered and destroyed a cannabis plantation in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, arresting 45-year-old Sabo Ali Muhammad, who was linked to the illegal farm.
Advocacy Efforts to Curb Drug Abuse
Beyond enforcement, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy across the nation, delivering sensitization lectures at schools, workplaces, and community centres. Among the outreach locations were Army Children Secondary School in Oyo, Government Day Secondary School in Kebbi, and St. Dominic Comprehensive College in Akwa Ibom.
Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended the agency’s officers for their dedication to combating drug trafficking and intensifying advocacy efforts. “Our mission goes beyond arrests and seizures. The WADA initiative is critical to building a drug-free society through education and awareness,” Marwa stated.