Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja Femi Babafemi said a total of 8.743 kilograms of various illicit substances, including methamphetamine, Loud, Colorado, and Arizona (strong cannabis strains), were seized from the shrine. Two women, Sonia Chinonso Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani, were arrested during the intelligence-led operation on June 18, 2024, after the snake guarding the shrine was neutralized.
In a related operation, NDLEA operatives arrested Obi Ferguson, 45, and Ernest Abanum, 46, on June 22, following a raid on the Usen forest in Ovia South West LGA, Edo State. The raid resulted in the recovery of 209 kilograms of cannabis and a motorcycle.
Meanwhile, in Lagos, NDLEA officers intercepted 8.2 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in imported chocolate packs at a motor park in the Mazamaza area. The substance, known as ice or crystal meth, was hidden inside three loudspeakers. Michael Odiomume, 39, was arrested on June 19 while attempting to send the consignment to Owerri, Imo State.
In Abuja, operatives intercepted a white Nissan Frontier pick-up with fake security agency registration at Kiyi village in Kuje on June 18. The vehicle, loaded with 454 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 340.8 kilograms, was linked to 76-year-old Francis Omofa, who claimed to have been in the illicit drug trade for 10 years.
The NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) with sensitization activities across the country. Recent initiatives include lectures and advocacy visits in schools and communities in Anambra, Osun, Oyo, Benue, Abia, and Enugu states.
Commending the efforts of the Edo, Lagos, and FCT Commands, NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the balance in their drug supply and demand reduction efforts. He urged continued action against drug cartels to intensify the war against drug abuse.
