Calistus, claiming to be involved in import and export, was found concealing the cocaine in his body during routine screening.
Repeat Offender Arrested at Lagos Airport
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, NDLEA officers apprehended Olanrewaju Bada Akorede, an ex-convict, while attempting to export rohypnol hidden in a cargo of everyday items. Akorede, who had been previously convicted and fined for similar offenses in 2023, was caught trying to smuggle drugs to South Africa again.
Similarly, on December 18, Cynthia Akaeen, a businesswoman bound for Italy, was arrested at MMIA with 9,190 tramadol tablets weighing 6 kilograms. Akaeen admitted she was promised €1,000 for delivering the consignment.
Nationwide Drug Busts
NDLEA operations across Nigeria yielded significant results in recent days:
- Borno and Anambra States: Raids uncovered over 1 million pills of opioids, including tramadol and tapentadol, and large quantities of codeine syrup.
- Lagos Port: Joint security operations seized 180,000 bottles of codeine syrup from a container originating from India.
- Maiduguri: Arrests at Pompomari Bypass and Gwange area led to the recovery of tramadol capsules, ammunition, and other psychoactive substances.
- Oyo and Enugu States: Significant quantities of cannabis were confiscated during operations.
Drug Education Campaigns
The NDLEA continued its “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) sensitization programs nationwide, engaging students, communities, and workplaces in drug education and awareness.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the agency’s personnel for their dedication and urged them to maintain momentum in combating drug trafficking and abuse.
