In a sweeping series of operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disrupted multiple drug trafficking networks across Nigeria, resulting in significant arrests and the seizure of large quantities of illicit substances, including cocaine, cannabis, and codeine-based syrup.
‘Vietnam-Bound Businessman Arrested with Cocaine at Abuja Airport’
One of the most significant busts occurred on Monday, August 12, 2024, when NDLEA operatives arrested a 54-year-old businessman, Paul Okwuy Mbadugha, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Mbadugha, who was en route to Hanoi, Vietnam, via Qatar Airways, was intercepted at the boarding gate after testing positive for ingesting cocaine.
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During a subsequent four-day observation period, Mbadugha excreted 88 wraps of cocaine, weighing a total of 1.710 kilograms. In his statement to the authorities, Mbadugha claimed to be a Lagos-based businessman who was given the cocaine pellets by a friend in the Isolo area of Lagos. He admitted that he was promised a fee of $2,000 for delivering the drugs to Vietnam.
‘Lagos Airport Sees Multiple Drug Seizures’
The NDLEA’s efforts continued at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, where officers intercepted a shipment of 800 grams of synthetic cannabis, known as “Loud,” concealed within packages of noodles bound for Congo. A follow-up investigation led to the arrest of the shipment’s sender, Nnamani Sunday Sunny, a GSM handset dealer at Alaba International Market, Lagos.
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In a separate operation at the same airport, NDLEA operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, apprehended Desalu Taophic Temitope, who arrived from Canada on an Air France flight. A thorough examination of his luggage revealed 65.80 kilograms of Loud hidden in four of his six suitcases. Desalu confessed that he was offered $10,000 to deliver the drugs to Lagos, where an accomplice was to receive the consignment.
‘Massive Codeine Syrup Seizure at Port Harcourt Ports Complex’
In another major success, NDLEA officers, in a joint operation with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders, seized 892,400 bottles of codeine-based syrup at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Rivers State. The bottles, which were packed in 5,337 cartons with a total weight of 133,860 kilograms, had a street value of N6.2 billion and were shipped from India. This massive haul underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the smuggling of controlled substances into Nigeria.
‘Cannabis Plantations and Opioid Trafficking Disrupted Nationwide’
The NDLEA’s crackdown extended beyond airports and seaports. In Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives, supported by the Nigerian Army and local community members, raided a 20-hectare cannabis plantation in the Ise forest reserve, Saalaja camp, where 21,800 kilograms of cannabis sativa were destroyed.
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In Ogun State, officers dismantled another large cannabis plantation in Alaka village, arresting four suspects, including a 70-year-old man, Fidelis Egede. Meanwhile, in Enugu, officers on patrol along the Onitsha-Enugu road intercepted a vehicle carrying 200.2 kilograms of cannabis, leading to the arrest of the driver, Okoro Emmanuel.
In Kano, the NDLEA arrested Joseph Apeh, 45, and Diamond Nnabuike, 21, with 145,400 pills of tramadol, while in Niger State, Ifeanyi Chukwueze was apprehended with 28,500 pills of tramadol concealed in a loudspeaker. Another suspect, Abba Yakubu, was arrested in Kogi State with 40,000 tramadol pills destined for Kontagora, while Tochukwu Onah, 39, was caught in Lokoja with 1,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection.
‘NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Campaign Intensifies’
Alongside these enforcement actions, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitization lectures and advocacy visits nationwide. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage communities to take a stand against the drug menace.
Recent WADA activities included lectures at the College of Nursing Science in Awgu, Enugu State, and visits to traditional rulers in Umuahia North, Abia State, and Owo, Ondo State, as well as the Dein of Agbor, Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I, in Delta State.
‘NDLEA Chairman Commends Officers for Their Dedication’
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised the agency’s officers for their dedication and relentless efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse. “These arrests and seizures are a testament to the unwavering commitment of our officers in the fight against drug trafficking. I applaud the dedication and bravery of our teams across the country,” he said.
Marwa also highlighted the importance of the WADA campaign in reducing drug abuse in Nigeria, urging continued vigilance and community engagement. “Our WADA sensitization programs in schools, workplaces, and communities are vital in raising awareness and curbing the menace of drug abuse. Together, we can create a drug-free Nigeria,” he added.
The NDLEA’s recent operations reflect the agency’s comprehensive approach to tackling drug trafficking and abuse, combining rigorous enforcement with widespread public education to protect the health and safety of all Nigerians.