The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recently made significant strides in its fight against drug trafficking with several major arrests and seizures across Nigeria. One of the most notable operations took place at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where NDLEA officers intercepted and seized a large shipment of illegal drugs.
On September 6, 2024, NDLEA officials at the airport’s export shed discovered a cargo bound for the UK that was concealing 924 bottles of codeine-based syrup and 5,250 Rohypnol tablets hidden among foodstuffs. The freight agent, Owojori Olanrewaju Sunday, who presented the shipment, was promptly arrested. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Adewunmi Dorcas, an Ibadan-based businesswoman, who was allegedly behind the shipment.
In another operation on September 11, NDLEA operatives found 300 grams of cocaine hidden in cartons of Checker powder custard intended for Congo Brazzaville. Arinze Ora, an auto parts dealer from Lagos, was arrested in connection with this shipment.
Additionally, the NDLEA’s efforts uncovered a broader network of drug trafficking. On September 10, the agency arrested two brothers, Ikechukwu and Ugochukwu Ikeabba, who were linked to drug traffickers smuggling cocaine into Vietnam. Their arrest followed the earlier apprehension of Paul Mbadugha at Abuja airport, who was caught with cocaine after ingesting it.
The agency also made several other key arrests and seizures in recent weeks. In Gombe State, officials discovered 2,490,000 pills of Tramadol hidden among bags of salt. In Kaduna State, 41.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa were seized, while 73.6 kilograms of cannabis were found in Ekiti State. Additionally, Bauchi State saw the seizure of 208,920 pills of Tramadol and Diazepam, and Lagos authorities found 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup in containers shipped from India.
These recent operations highlight the NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of Nigerian communities. The agency continues to work tirelessly to address the challenges posed by drug smuggling and distribution.
