- Agency seizes large cannabis consignments, makes multiple arrests nationwide
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Lekki-based businessman, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, for allegedly trafficking 60 parcels of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, from the United States to Nigeria.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed that the 43-year-old proprietor of Damillionz Takeout was apprehended at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki, last Monday while awaiting the delivery of his latest drug consignment. His arrest followed the seizure of seven large cartons of illicit drugs at a Lagos logistics company on March 12. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered additional narcotics and drug paraphernalia, bringing the total confiscated drugs to 32.24 kilograms.
Investigations revealed that Ebenezer had been engaged in the illicit trade since 2017.
Meanwhile, NDLEA officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport thwarted an attempt by another businessman, Omoruyi Terry, to export 1,400 tramadol pills to Italy via Qatar Airways. Omoruyi, identified as a frequent traveler and logistics agent, was intercepted at the screening point of Terminal 2.
In a separate operation in Katsina, NDLEA operatives raided Godai village, Daura Local Government Area, arresting four suspects—Baraka Abubakar, Haruna Alitine, Muhammad Babangida, and Hamisu Lawal. The raid led to the seizure of 684 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 423kg and 86,000 diazepam pills.
Additionally, NDLEA operatives destroyed over 13,198kg of cannabis in multiple raids across Edo State forests, evacuating 158kg for prosecution. Operations in Niger, Enugu, Kwara, and Oyo states also led to multiple arrests and drug seizures, including compressed skunk hidden in a vehicle’s false bottom and cannabis concealed in lock-up shops.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the agency’s officers for their relentless efforts in tackling drug trafficking. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to a balanced approach of drug supply reduction and public sensitization through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
Marwa also extended Eid-el-Fitr greetings to officers, stakeholders, and Nigerians, urging continued vigilance and dedication to achieving a drug-free society.
