The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has conducted a series of nationwide operations, resulting in the seizure of over N5 billion worth of illicit drugs. The operations, which took place at various ports and locations across Nigeria, led to the interception of consignments of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, and codeine-based cough syrup. The seizures were made at Lagos and Onne ports, with NDLEA operatives recovering large quantities of controlled substances.
One of the major seizures was 4.80kg of cocaine concealed in the soles of shoes and the railings of travel bags by a 38-year-old businessman, Philip Tunde. Tunde was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while preparing to fly to Milan, Italy. The cocaine was hidden in 16 parcels in the soles of eight pairs of trainers and canvas shoes, as well as 195 wraps concealed in the railings of four travelling bags.
The NDLEA also reported a series of seizures and arrests across Lagos, Kogi, Edo, and Plateau states. In Lagos, officers recovered 209,000 tablets of tramadol from an unoccupied compound at Divine Estate, Ago Palace. A follow-up operation at Ladipo Spare Parts Market led to the arrest of 23-year-old Ekundayo Taiwo with 61g of Colorado and 24g of methamphetamine. These seizures demonstrate the agency's efforts to combat the trafficking of illicit substances.
In Osun State, NDLEA operatives destroyed 20,234kg of skunk cultivated on 8.0936 hectares of cannabis farm in Area 4, Ife South Local Government Area. The destruction of the cannabis farm was carried out on Wednesday, September 30. This operation highlights the agency's commitment to disrupting the supply chain of illicit substances and tackling the cultivation of controlled crops.
The NDLEA also made significant seizures at various ports, including Apapa Port, Onne Port, and Tincan Island Port. At Apapa Port, officers recovered 161 parcels of Thai Loud weighing 124kg and valued at N372 million from a container shipped from Bangkok, Thailand. At Onne Port, a joint examination of two watch-listed containers led to the seizure of 22kg of Loud and 109,600 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup weighing 16,440kg.
The agency also arrested several individuals in connection with the seizures, including 41-year-old Agbo Dennis at West of Mines, Jos North, following the seizure of 33 bags of skunk weighing 385kg. Additionally, 47-year-old Idris Mohammed Kurra, who had allegedly been on the run for six years after jumping bail in a drug case, was arrested. Kurra had been facing trial over alleged possession and dealing in 198kg of skunk before absconding in December 2020.
The NDLEA's nationwide operations demonstrate the agency's efforts to combat the trafficking of illicit substances and disrupt the supply chain of controlled substances. The seizures and arrests made during the operations highlight the agency's commitment to tackling the menace of drug trafficking in Nigeria. The NDLEA's actions have resulted in the seizure of over N5 billion worth of illicit drugs and the destruction of large quantities of controlled substances.
Key points
- NDLEA seizes over N5 billion worth of illicit drugs in nationwide operations
- Agency destroys 20,234kg of skunk cultivated on 8.0936 hectares of cannabis farm in Osun State
- Several individuals arrested in connection with the seizures, including a businessman and a fugitive wanted for six years
