In a sweeping, intelligence-driven operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled major cocaine syndicates across Nigeria, recovering drugs valued at billions of naira. The NDLEA’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, announced on Sunday that the raids were conducted nationwide, targeting various illicit drug operations.
Among the significant seizures, NDLEA operatives intercepted 2.32 kilograms of cocaine concealed in Ghanaian Kente fabric bound for the United Kingdom, and 10.494 kilograms hidden in heavy-duty pivot shafts destined for the United States. These shipments were intercepted at a courier firm in Lagos, thanks to the agency’s sniffer dogs.
Additionally, five other consignments headed to the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada were intercepted at the same logistics company. These included 517 grams of cocaine hidden in clothing, various quantities of pentazocine and promethazine injections, cocodamol pills, and 297 pills of tramadol 225mg.
In another significant bust, NDLEA agents recovered 21 parcels of Loud, a synthetic cannabis strain weighing 10 kilograms, from a different logistics company in Lagos. The shipment, originating from the U.S., was intended for delivery in Abuja.
Further operations led to the arrest of a key member of a cocaine trafficking network, Obiora Agudosi, who was caught with 9 kilograms of cocaine in Lagos. Subsequent follow-up operations in Anambra and Edo states resulted in the arrest of additional syndicate members and the seizure of nearly 5 kilograms of cocaine.
At the Tincan seaport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted 532 parcels of Loud cannabis, weighing 265.25 kilograms, hidden in a container from Canada. A second container from Canada was found with 75 parcels of the same substance, weighing 37.5 kilograms.
In Adamawa State, a 49-year-old suspect was apprehended with 425 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing 291.2 kilograms, which he claimed to be transporting from Edo State to Yola. Additional arrests and cannabis seizures were made in Kano, Lagos, and Kogi states, where NDLEA operatives also destroyed 1,230 kilograms of cannabis on three hectares of farmland.
The NDLEA’s Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the agency’s efforts and urged continued focus on both drug supply reduction and demand reduction initiatives. The agency also continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities in schools, workplaces, and communities nationwide.
