The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully blocked several attempts to smuggle illegal drugs through two of Nigeria’s busiest airports. In coordinated operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, NDLEA agents intercepted large shipments of hard drugs bound for destinations such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, and Qatar.

On November 5th, 2024, NDLEA officers at Lagos’ MMIA discovered 13 parcels of cocaine, weighing a total of 4.4kg. The drugs were hidden in a shipment that was set to be sent to the United Kingdom via Frankfurt on a Lufthansa Airlines flight. After tracking down the suspect linked to the shipment, Ekeocha Anayo Nelson, the authorities arrested him on November 8th.

Just days later, on November 11th, another arrest took place at the same airport. Adegbite Solomon, a businessman, was caught trying to smuggle 7,800 tramadol pills, 180 rohypnol tablets, and 60 bottles of codeine to Italy. The drugs were cleverly concealed inside food and other personal items. Solomon, who had previously lived as a beggar in Europe, was attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight when he was arrested.

On November 15th, NDLEA agents arrested Anoke Kingsley Roomy, another businessman, with 1,100 tramadol pills in his luggage. Roomy was attempting to board a flight to Istanbul, Turkey, on Ethiopian Airlines.

NDLEA’s efforts also led to the seizure of methamphetamine. On November 15th, acting on reliable intelligence, NDLEA officers raided a hotel in Abuja and arrested two suspects, Omeh Uchenna Jude and Anene Valentine Chigozie. The authorities seized 1.8kg of methamphetamine that was meant for shipment to Qatar.

In another successful operation in Lagos, Akande Moruf Olasunkanmi was arrested at his home with 1.8kg of methamphetamine. This arrest followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence work by NDLEA agents.

These successful interceptions highlight NDLEA’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking in Nigeria. By taking swift action at key international airports, the agency continues to protect the public from the harmful impact of illegal drugs and disrupt organized crime groups.

NDLEA’s work is an ongoing reminder of the dangers of drug trafficking and the agency’s dedication to keeping Nigeria safety.