By Joke Kujenya
OPERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully intercepted drug traffickers attempting to smuggle cocaine through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos,
In a daring operation, the NDLEA arrested a Delhi-bound passenger, Freeman Charles Ogbinnam who had ingested 80 wraps of cocaine.
Ogbonna was apprehended at Terminal 2 of MMIA while trying to board a flight to Delhi, India, via Doha on Qatar Airways.
Despite using a false identity, his attempts to conceal the drugs within his body were uncovered during routine screening procedures.
Following his detention, Ogbonna began to exhibit symptoms of drug ingestion, leading to the expulsion of 80 wraps of cocaine weighing a total of 889 grams.
The suspect revealed that he had been recruited by a relative and promised cash reward upon successive delivery of the illicit substance in India.
In a separate incident, NDLEA officers intercepted another drug mule, Imran Taofeek Olalekan, at the departure gate of Terminal 1.
Olalekan was bound for Oman, carrying drugs concealed within his luggage and backpack. His accomplice, Ishola Isiaka Olalekan, who had accompanied him to the airport, was also apprehended.
The discovery of charms on both suspects hinted at their involvement in occult practices to evade detection.
Furthermore, in a joint operation with custom officials and other stakeholders at the Tincan seaport in Lagos the NDLEA seized a significant consignment of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis.
The operation resulted in the interception of 2,144 parcels of Colorado, weighing a total of 1,972 kilograms,
The drugs were concealed within various items, including vehicles and household goods, within a container originating from Canada.
Additionally, the NDLEA conducted successful raids and arrests across various states in Nigeria, including Kano and Ogun, apprehending individuals involved in drug trafficking.
The agency also thwarted attempts to smuggle cocaine and cannabis to other countries, emphasizing its commitment to combating drug-related crimes at both domestic and international levels.
In his remarks, Brig-Gen Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, in commending efforts of the agency’s personnel nationwide, urged them to remain vigilant and intensity the fight against drug cartels while also emphasizing the importance of the War Against Drugs (WADA) advocacy campaigns aimed at raising awareness in communities across the country.
A press released signed by the agency’s Director of Media and Publicity, Femi Babafemi notes that the success achieved by the NDLEA personnel stresses their relentless efforts at tackling drug trafficking and related crimes, and thereby contributing to the protection of public health and safety.
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