NDLEA Cracks Down on Drug Syndicates Nationwide, Seizes Tons of Illicit Substances

T The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled six syndicates, seizing tons of illicit substances and arresting nine kingpins in a series of intelligence-driven operations. The agency also apprehended multiple suspects involved in the sale of drug-laced products and opioids.

In one operation, NDLEA officers arrested two members of a trafficking network in Onitsha, Anambra State, on 18th November. The suspects, 30-year-old electrical appliances dealer Ebulue Lotanwa Uzochukwu and 51-year-old South Africa returnee Christopher Michael Ndibuisi, were found collecting methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis (“Loud”), phenacetin, methcathinone, and caffeine concealed in imported pressure machine cylinders from South Africa. The shipment had arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on 13th November.

The Lagos airport was also the site of another seizure on 20th November, where 2.3 kilograms of cocaine were discovered hidden inside a brake servo automobile part destined for Gabon. A freight agent and an auto parts dealer were arrested in connection with the consignment.

Other major seizures across the country include: 4,700 kilograms of skunk cannabis in Kogi State, 4,706 kilograms of skunk recovered from a warehouse in Cross River, and 59 kilograms seized in Edo State. In addition, two women were arrested in Benin City for producing and selling drug-laced brownies online, while another suspect was apprehended with over 10 kilograms of skunk, thousands of tramadol pills, pentazocine ampoules, and live ammunition in Enugu.

NDLEA operatives in Kebbi, Niger, Borno, FCT, and Lagos also recovered large quantities of codeine-based syrup, opioids, cannabis, and other controlled substances concealed in vehicles, warehouses, and even boarding passes. Across the country, the agency continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns in schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities.

Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), commended officers for the successful operations and stressed the need for heightened vigilance ahead of the festive season. “Drug cartels may attempt to increase illegal activities during the busy holiday period. We must not, and we will not, let down our guard,” he warned.