Female lawyer, her mum, boyfriend, their herbalist, Uber driver top list of arrests in Abia, Nasarawa, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Ogun, Ondo, FCT raids
In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted a substantial consignment of Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, concealed within giant loudspeakers at the Lagos airport. The contraband, originating from New York, USA, was discovered within wooden boxes disguised as sound equipment.
Upon inspection, NDLEA officers found sixty bags of the high-grade psychoactive substance, Loud, weighing a total of 33.5 kilograms. The discovery led to the arrest of three suspects involved in the smuggling operation: Akeem Afeez, a freight agent; Babalola Ayodeji Gboyega, a logistics company manager; and Taiwo Olusegun Anuoluwapo, the receiver of the illicit cargo.
The arrests were made during follow-up operations conducted between Thursday 15th and Friday 16th February 2024. Afeez was apprehended at the airport, Gboyega was nabbed at his office in Ikeja, and Anuoluwapo was traced to his residence in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Multi-State Raids Yield Arrests Across Nigeria
In coordinated raids spanning several states, NDLEA operatives made significant arrests related to drug trafficking. In Abia State, a joint operation with State Homeland Security led to the apprehension of several individuals involved in illicit drug activities. Among those arrested were a female lawyer, Adaobi Nweke, her boyfriend, mother, and associates.
Similar operations in Nasarawa, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Ogun, Ondo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) resulted in the arrest of numerous suspects trafficking various drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The operations targeted individuals transporting drugs through different means, including vehicles and cargo shipments.
Intensified Efforts in War Against Drug Abuse
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the efforts of agency personnel across multiple commands for their exceptional work in combating drug trafficking and abuse. He highlighted the success of the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign, which included educational lectures targeting students and teachers in various schools across the country.
The recent operations underscore the agency’s commitment to curbing the illicit drug trade and promoting awareness about the dangers of drug abuse within Nigerian communities.