By Joke Kujenya
THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in its fight against drug trafficking, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects across various states in Nigeria.
In a recent operation, NDLEA operatives nabbed and detained a 35-year-old-woman, Chidinma Chinyere Agbazue, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Agabzue was apprehended while attempting to export 20 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 10.70 kilograms, concealed in African salad known as ‘Abacha’ and dried vegetables to Doha, Qatar.
Further investigations revealed that Agbazue, who had returned from Qatar for Christmas, was entrusted with the contraband at Club Dice Hotel in Ikotun area of in Lagos before her departure.
Additionally, NDLEA operatives arrested several other suspects involved in drug trafficking activities across different states. These included seizure of opioids, cannabis, and other illicit substances, as well as the interception of drug-laden vehicles and tricycles.
In its series of operations, the NDLEA thwarted several other drug trafficking across various states, including Lagos, Bayelsa, Ogun, Taraba and Abia with more significant seizures made in Ondo, Kano, and Edo states, respectively, where various quantities of cannabis, codeine syrup, and tramadol were also recovered, and several suspects were arrested.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the efforts of NDLEA operatives in various commands across Nigeria, applauding their vigilance and dedication in apprehending drug traffickers and seizing illicit substances.
In addition to enforcement actions, NDLEA commands nationwide intensified their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy lectures, targeting students, teachers, commercial motorcycle riders and religious communities.
According to the statement issued by the NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the lectures aim to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote community involvement in combating the drug menace, adding that the recent operations underscore NDLEA’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking and promoting a drug-free society across Nigeria.