The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recently conducted a series of successful operations across Nigeria, resulting in the interception of substantial quantities of illicit drugs. These operations, driven by intelligence and meticulous investigation, highlight the agency’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking and distribution.
On August 5, 2024, NDLEA officers intercepted a notable drug shipment at a courier firm in Lagos. This seizure involved 2.32 kilograms of cocaine hidden within Ghanaian kente fabric, which was destined for the United Kingdom. In a related operation at the same logistics company, NDLEA recovered an additional 10.494 kilograms of cocaine concealed in heavy-duty automobile pivot shafts, bound for the United States. The drug was detected by the agency’s sniffer dogs, which identified the illicit substance hidden within the spare parts. The combined weight of cocaine seized from these two shipments totaled 12.814 kilograms.
The agency’s vigilance continued on August 9, 2024, when five more drug consignments were intercepted at the same courier firm. These included 517 grams of cocaine concealed within clothing materials, as well as various quantities of pentazocine injections, promethazine injections, and co-codamol pills, all destined for the United Kingdom. Additionally, 297 pills of tramadol 225mg en route to Canada were also seized.
In another significant operation, NDLEA operatives, supported by men from Operation Farauta Sector 3, Mayo Belwa, intercepted a large quantity of cannabis sativa in Adamawa State. On August 8, 2024, Joseph Peter, 49, was arrested with 425 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing a total of 291.200 kilograms. Peter, driving a Toyota Camry, was apprehended while transporting the drugs from Edo State to Yola, Adamawa State.
The agency’s success continued with the seizure of synthetic cannabis, known as “Loud,” on August 7, 2024. NDLEA operatives recovered 21 parcels of this drug, weighing 10 kilograms, which were coming from the United States and intended for delivery in Abuja. This seizure reflects the NDLEA’s commitment to intercepting a wide range of narcotics, including synthetic substances that are increasingly prevalent in drug trafficking networks.
In a series of follow-up operations, the NDLEA made further arrests tied to cocaine trafficking networks. On August 7, 2024, operatives apprehended Obiora Joseph Agudosi in Alafia Orile, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos. Agudosi was caught while attempting to transport 9.00 kilograms of cocaine to Onitsha, Anambra State. This arrest was part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking syndicates.
The following day, August 8, 2024, additional members of a cocaine trafficking network were arrested in a follow-up operation. These suspects were connected to a Nnewi-based cocaine syndicate. The operation, which involved intercepting a public transport company bus in Benin, Edo State, led to the arrest of Harrison Mbachu, the bus driver, who was found with 2.865 kilograms of cocaine at the Benin tollgate. Two other suspects, Izuchkwu Arinze and Ameachi Okoro, were apprehended in Nnewi and Oba town, Anambra State, respectively. Arinze was arrested with 1.748 kilograms of cocaine and 514 grams of sodium bicarbonate, while Okoro was found with 1.117 kilograms of cocaine.
These operations collectively underscore the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and intercept illegal substances before they reach their intended destinations. The agency’s strategic use of intelligence and targeted operations has resulted in the seizure of large quantities of drugs, ranging from cocaine and cannabis to synthetic substances, demonstrating its commitment to combating drug trafficking in Nigeria.
SOURCES
- https://dailytrust.com/ndlea-smashes-cocaine-syndicates/
- https://www.channelstv.com/2024/08/11/ndlea-smashes-cocaine-syndicates-seizes-us-uk-bound-consignments/
- https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/ndlea-smashes-cocaine-syndicates-intercepts-multi-million-naira-drugs/j0m9q8h
