The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant seizures across Nigeria, intercepting an Italy-bound businessman with 4.8 kilogrammes of cocaine and seizing illicit drugs worth over N5 billion at the nation's seaports. The operations, which took place from international entry points in Lagos and Rivers to drug-producing forests and distribution networks across several states, resulted in the arrest of a suspect and the destruction of thousands of kilograms of cannabis.
On September 27, NDLEA operatives arrested 38-year-old Philip Tunde at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, shortly before he was due to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Milan, Italy. A thorough search of his luggage and footwear led to the discovery of 16 parcels of cocaine hidden inside the soles of eight pairs of trainers and canvas shoes, and 195 wraps of the same substance concealed in the railings of four travelling bags.
According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the combined weight of the cocaine was 4.8 kilogrammes. The suspect allegedly told investigators that he paid N16 million in cash for the cocaine hidden in the shoes, while the consignment concealed in the bags was intended for delivery to a partner in Italy. He claimed that the money used to purchase the cocaine came from compensation he received after suffering an industrial injury at a plastic manufacturing company in Italy.
NDLEA operations at the country's ports uncovered substantially larger shipments concealed among legitimate commercial cargo. At the Apapa Port in Lagos, officers subjected two containers shipped from Bangkok, Thailand, to 100 per cent examination, leading to the discovery of 161 parcels of Thai Loud weighing 124 kilogrammes and valued at N372 million. The consignment was concealed inside two refrigerators and two cartons.
Further seizures were made at Onne Port in Rivers State, where intelligence-led examination of two watch-listed containers yielded another major haul. A total of 1.4 tonnes of Loud and 16,440kg of codeine were seized, adding to the growing list of illicit substances intercepted by the NDLEA. The agency also destroyed 20,234 kilogrammes of cannabis and seized hundreds of thousands of opioid tablets and bottles of codeine syrup.
The scale of the seizures underscores the continuing efforts by drug trafficking networks to exploit Nigeria's airports, seaports, highways, and commercial transport systems to move illicit substances into and across the country. The NDLEA's efforts to curb these activities have resulted in the arrest of a fugitive who had evaded trial for six years.
The NDLEA's operations demonstrate the agency's commitment to disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking networks in Nigeria. With seizures worth over N5 billion, the agency has dealt a significant blow to the illicit drug trade in the country. The NDLEA's efforts will continue to be crucial in preventing the spread of illicit substances and protecting the country's citizens.
Key points
- The NDLEA seized 4.8kg of cocaine hidden in shoe soles and travelling-bag rails at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
- The agency intercepted 1.4 tonnes of Loud and 16,440kg of codeine at Onne Port in Rivers State.
- A total of 20,234 kilogrammes of cannabis was destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of opioid tablets and bottles of codeine syrup were seized.
