By HeapNews
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully disrupted multiple attempts by drug syndicates to traffic illicit substances through Nigerian airports and transport routes. In a series of intelligence-led operations, officers seized consignments of cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioids while arresting several suspects.
At Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, 4.4kg of cocaine destined for the United Kingdom via Frankfurt was intercepted on November 5. A businessman, Ekeocha Anayo Nelson, linked to the consignment, was arrested three days later. Another suspect, Adegbite Solomon, was apprehended on November 11 at the same airport while attempting to smuggle 7,800 tramadol pills, 180 rohypnol tablets, and 60 bottles of codeine to Italy. The drugs were concealed in food items. Similarly, Anoke Kingsley Roomy was arrested on November 15 with 1,100 tramadol pills hidden in his luggage as he prepared to board a flight to Turkey.
In Abuja, two suspects, Omeh Uchenna Jude and Anene Valentine Chigozie, were arrested on November 15 with 1.8kg of methamphetamine in a hotel room. They had planned to travel to Qatar. In Lagos, another 1.8kg of methamphetamine was seized from Akande Moruf Olasunkanmi after weeks of surveillance at his home. Meanwhile, a trans-border trafficker, Emmanuel Okechukwu Okeke, was intercepted on November 16 with 50,000 tramadol pills concealed in a bus traveling from Ghana
Read Also:NDLEA, NAFDAC Forge Stronger Alliance to Combat Drug Abuse and Safeguard Public Health
Read Also: NDLEA Foils Major Cocaine Smuggling Attempt at Lagos Airport, Seizes Drugs Worth Over N4 Billion
In Edo State, NDLEA operatives recovered 997kg of cannabis during raids across several locations, including forests and private buildings. Other significant seizures include 563.74kg of cannabis in Ibadan, 120.8kg in Kwara, and 88.3kg along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
The NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) program also gained momentum, with sensitization campaigns conducted in schools, communities, and workplaces across various states. These initiatives aim to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa commended the officers for their efforts. “These operational successes underscore our commitment to eradicating the drug menace in Nigeria,” he stated, praising the balance between drug supply reduction and demand reduction efforts.