- NDLEA arrests wanted kingpins, ex-Convicts, thwarts drug shipments to US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Thailand
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an automobile parts dealer, Ejiofor Nnaemeka Chiwuzie, for attempting to export heroin and cannabis, concealed in LED lamps and sofa legs. Chiwuzie was apprehended at the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos, on September 24, 2024, after NDLEA officers intercepted his shipment of auto parts and electronics at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), bound for Liberia.
According to Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters AbujaFemi Babafemi, the illicit shipment contained 37 parcels of heroin (1.10 kg) and four blocks of “loud,” a strain of cannabis (1.20 kg), hidden in the lamps and furniture. Chiwuzie’s arrest followed a swift investigation after two freight agents were taken into custody.
The NDLEA also thwarted multiple attempts by drug syndicates to export consignments of tramadol, co-codamol, dihydrocodeine, and pentazocine injections through courier companies to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Thailand, and Oman. Seizures included 2.3 kg of loud bound for Thailand, 749 grams of tramadol hidden in footwear heading to Oman, and other drugs concealed in clothing and shoe soles destined for various countries.
In another major operation, a wanted drug kingpin, Ajiboye Damilare Samuel (alias “Na God”), was arrested in Ogun State on September 25 after evading arrest for a year. His warehouse in Mushin, Lagos, was raided in 2023, where NDLEA recovered over a ton of cannabis. The agency tracked him down through 20 bank accounts linked to his operations.
Similarly, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Talba, a community leader in Badagry, Lagos, was arrested on September 27 following the seizure of 226.2 kg of cannabis from his home. Talba’s arrest came after his wives and son were previously apprehended in connection with the drugs.
NDLEA operatives also made arrests in Kogi, Lagos, and Rivers, recovering over 3,000 kg of Ghana Loud, cannabis sativa, codeine-based cough syrup, and monkey tail, a cannabis-infused alcoholic drink.
In Kogi State, three suspects were apprehended while transporting over two tons of cannabis in a truck from Osun State to Abuja. Meanwhile, in Lagos, a boat carrying nearly three tons of Ghana Loud was intercepted at Alfa Beach, with support from the Nigerian Customs Service.
The NDLEA continues its nationwide anti-drug operations, targeting kingpins and traffickers. Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the agency’s efforts to curb drug trafficking while promoting drug abuse awareness through lectures and outreach programs across the country.
NDLEA remains vigilant, enforcing the law and promoting the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative in schools, workplaces, and communities nationwide.
