The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has conducted a series of intelligence-led operations across Nigeria, resulting in the interception of illicit drugs worth over N3.4 billion. The operations, which took place in Lagos, Edo, Niger, Delta, Ondo, Gombe, Imo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also led to several arrests. The NDLEA reported that over 1.3 million pills and capsules of tramadol and other opioids, as well as approximately 6,000 kilogrammes of cannabis, were seized.
One of the major seizures was the interception of 1,200 parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 603.75kg and valued at N1.811 billion. The consignment was discovered at the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos after NDLEA operatives placed a 40-foot container shipped from Montreal, Canada, under surveillance. The container, which arrived on 12th September, was subjected to a joint physical examination with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other security agencies on 16th September.
A search of the container uncovered the 1,200 parcels concealed in 31 black jumbo bags loaded inside two Toyota Sienna vehicles. The NDLEA said the parcels were discovered during a joint operation with other security agencies. The agency did not disclose the intended destination of the consignment.
In another operation, NDLEA operatives arrested a 49-year-old man, Innocent Ekpe, along the Benin-Onitsha Expressway in Asaba, Delta State, for allegedly impersonating a senior police officer while transporting illicit drugs. Ekpe was arrested on 16 September with 292.48kg of skunk concealed in his silver Toyota Sienna bus. Preliminary investigation showed that the suspect allegedly operated under the name Godwin Emeka and posed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The NDLEA said Ekpe used a forged police identity card to evade scrutiny at checkpoints while moving drug consignments across state lines. A 39-year-old accomplice, Nduka Joseph, was also arrested in connection with the case. The agency did not provide further details on the investigation.
In Edo State, operatives acting on intelligence raided an auto-repair workshop along Agbor Road, Benin City, where 45-year-old Matthew Ossai was arrested. The agency said the suspect allegedly used the workshop as a cover for storing illicit drugs. Officers recovered 48kg of Canadian Loud and 152 grams of methamphetamine from the premises.
The NDLEA reported that the operations resulted in significant seizures and arrests, dealing a blow to the illicit drug trade in Nigeria. The agency did not provide information on the number of suspects in custody or the planned prosecution.
Key points
- The NDLEA seized over N3.4 billion worth of illicit drugs in intelligence-led operations across several states.
- A 49-year-old man was arrested for impersonating a senior police officer while transporting illicit drugs.
- The NDLEA recovered 1,200 parcels of Canadian Loud, weighing 603.75kg and valued at N1.811 billion, at the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos.
