NDLEA Foils Multi-Billion Naira Drug Trafficking Scheme Bound for US, Europe
…Seizes N16.6bn Worth of Opioids, Catches Drugs in Shoe Soles and Underground Storages
In a sweeping series of drug enforcement operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted several shipments of narcotics concealed in shoe soles, hair attachments, and vegetable bags bound for destinations across the United States, United Kingdom, and Cyprus.
The anti-narcotics agency uncovered these consignments at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, and three other courier firms within the state.
According to a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy at the NDLEA, traffickers concealed drugs in everyday items, leading to arrests across many States in the country.
On 12th October 2024, NDLEA officers seized 2,118 tramadol pills hidden in 13 pairs of shoes destined for Cyprus.
A follow-up operation at the sender’s residence in Enugu led to the discovery of an additional 380 tablets, along with a Toyota Avalon car and a cash sum of N968,880, implicating suspect Okenwa Kelvin Uchenna.
Further interceptions at three courier firms on 24th October uncovered 293 ampoules of promethazine and pentazocine injections, alongside 1.69kg of cannabis and tramadol tablets concealed in hair attachments and other items en route to the United States, United Kingdom, and Oman.
In collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA operatives seized an astonishing haul of drugs during container inspections at the Tincan and Onne Ports.
The seized items included 26.25 million tramadol tablets, 508,400 bottles of codeine-based syrup, and 10 million tablets of Toradol Benzhexol, valued at N16.6 billion.
Additionally, 28 drums of methamphetamine weighing 700kg and a container from Canada containing 56 parcels of ‘Loud,’ a synthetic cannabis strain, were seized.
In a related bust, the NDLEA apprehended 40-year-old suspect Tsolaye Eburajolo at Ago Palace, Okota, Lagos, for trafficking cannabis.
The NDLEA officers documented a N10 million bribe attempt from the suspect, intended to secure his release, which will serve as evidence for his prosecution.
Furthering its investigations, the NDLEA raided the Igbo-Igunuko shrine at Alfa Beach, Ajah, Lagos, on 25th October, seizing 2,760kg of ‘Ghanaian Loud’ cannabis and arresting two suspects, Gbenga and Sunday Abiodun.
Another suspect, Ademola Oyelakin, was apprehended on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with 770kg of the psychoactive substance.
The agency also uncovered an underground drug storage chamber in a residence on Marwa Coastal Road, Lekki Phase 1. The chamber, dug by suspect Muhammad Warnos Abdullahi, was concealed beneath his bed, where 11,786 pills of various opioids and 64 bottles of codeine syrup were discovered.
In Plateau State, NDLEA operatives arrested Fadan Bindom, 39, in Pilgani village with 65.85kg of cannabis and tramadol, while Sunday Agbata, 42, was detained in Jos South LGA with 5,830 doses of bromazepam and other substances.
In Abuja, a major distributor, Umar Muhammed, was apprehended following the seizure of 198.5kg of cannabis linked to him at Wuse Market.
The agency also made arrests in Edo State, intercepting 640kg of cannabis hidden among vegetable bags and arresting Austin Oruamen, 27, in Irrua, as well as Adereti Kazeem, 35, in Osun State with 133kg of the substance.
The NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) programme across Nigeria, educating students and community members on the dangers of drug abuse.
These outreach sessions included lectures at Government Girls Secondary School in Sokoto, St. Mary College in Anambra, and Community Junior Secondary School in Rivers State, among others.
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the NDLEA, praised the officers and personnel for their relentless efforts and balanced approach in tackling both drug supply and demand reduction.
“These operational successes underscore our commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of our nation,” he said.
