…Three Businessmen Arrested; Codeine Syrup Worth N4.4 Billion Seized in Rivers State
By HeapNews
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted shipments of methamphetamine and Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, worth over N3.3 billion at Tincan Seaport in Lagos. The consignments, disguised in automobile spare parts imported from Canada, were seized following months of intelligence tracking across three continents.
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In a groundbreaking operation, NDLEA recovered 83.301 kilograms of methamphetamine in two separate containers destined for warehouses in Lagos’ Ladipo automobile parts market. The seizures were made on December 12 and 13, 2024, during joint inspections with Customs and other stakeholders.
The first container held 5.001 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in a Toyota Camry. Businessman Isaac Onwumere was arrested in connection with this shipment. The second container, carrying automobile parts, contained 1,735 parcels of Loud packed in 44 jumbo bags (weighing 867.5kg) and six coolers with 78.3kg of methamphetamine. Two suspects, Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe, were arrested for their roles in the smuggling operation.
The seized methamphetamine, valued at N124.95 million, and Loud, worth N2.17 billion, were tracked from their origins in Canada, through Europe, to Lagos.
In Rivers State, NDLEA operatives at Onne Port intercepted 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth N4.45 billion. The drugs, shipped from India, were seized during joint inspections between December 9 and 13.
NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa praised the operatives’ efforts, said:
“These seizures demonstrate our capability to monitor and intercept illicit drugs globally. We will continue to dismantle drug networks and ensure offenders face justice.”
He further warned drug cartels to abandon the illegal trade, adding:
“If they persist, they will face heavier losses.”
The NDLEA also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaigns nationwide, targeting schools, workplaces, and communities to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.