NDLEA Seizes Trailer Load of Cannabis, Intercepts Australia-Bound Cocaine in Sweeping Drug Raids
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized a 40ft trailer loaded with 2,217.6 kilograms of cannabis, colloquially known as skunk, along with six vehicles intended for the drug’s distribution.
The operation, conducted at an abandoned fuel station in Kagini, Kubwa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, led to the arrest of 42-year-old Isaac Monday Desmond.
The illicit consignment, originating from Uzebba in Owan Local Government Area of Edo State, was bound for distribution to Northern states.
The intelligence-led raid occurred at 1:20 am on Saturday, 11 January 2025, with NDLEA operatives seizing a Toyota van, Toyota Camry, Toyota Sienna bus, JAC Hilux truck, Toyota Corolla, and a Vento Passat used for drug distribution.
In Lagos, NDLEA officers from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted 20 wraps of cocaine weighing 330 grams concealed in face cream containers.
The shipment was destined for Australia and was seized at a logistics firm, showcasing the ingenuity of traffickers and the vigilance of NDLEA personnel.
Further demonstrating its resolve, the agency intercepted two containers carrying 338,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup valued at N1.19 billion during a joint examination at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers State.
The containers, flagged through intelligence monitoring, highlight the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking networks in Nigeria.
In Lagos, NDLEA apprehended Bariu Aliu, alias Malo, a traditional chief priest of the Igunuko shrine in Alpha Beach, Ajah, Lekki.
Bariu had evaded capture since October 2024, when 2,760 kilograms of skunk were seized at the shrine.
His arrest follows the earlier detention and conviction of two accomplices involved in the same operation.
In Abuja, NDLEA officers arrested Anthony Nnamdi, 42, and Abba Ali, 27, recovering 1.398 kilograms of cocaine and precursors used in preparing crack cocaine.
In Kano, a 23-year-old suspect, Habibu Ya’u, was caught with 45 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.2 kilograms and 40,800 pills of opioids, including tramadol, during a raid at Gadar Tamburawa on Zaria Road.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, reaching schools, workplaces, religious centres, and communities.
Highlights include advocacy visits to Ijaye Housing Estate Junior Secondary School in Lagos, surrendered Boko Haram members at Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, and worshippers at Kamba Central Mosque in Kebbi.
In Kano, the state command engaged with the District Head of Danbatta, Dr Mansur Mukhtar, to deepen awareness.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the efforts of the agency’s operatives across various commands.
He praised their dedication to reducing drug supply and demand, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the nation from the scourge of drug trafficking.
The NDLEA’s latest operations underscore its commitment to dismantling drug networks and fostering a drug-free Nigeria.
