By Joke Kujenya
A DREADFUL DRUG cartel led by 49-year-old Kelechi Monday Nwaobasi and his 50-year-old sister, Ms. Chinwe Rose Nwaobasi. has been successfully pulled down to pieces in a major operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The special operation, conducted in Aba, Abia State, resulted in the arrest of the siblings and the seizure of cocaine and methamphetamine worth over N4.1 billion in street value.
The operation, which took place on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th June, 2024, involved months of intelligence gathering, leading to the apprehension of the ring leaders and the combined seizure of 20.76 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine from their hideout at 3B, Boundary Avenue, Aba and a residence along Ohia road, Ohia, Abia State.
In a related development, NDLEA operatives in Lagos state uncovered an expansive warehouse stocked with a large consignment of codeine-based syrup in Comfort Oboh area of Kirikiri.
During an intelligence-led raid on the facility, four individuals connected with the importation and distribution of the opioid were arrested.
The total value of the 82,000 bottles of the opioid seized is estimated to be more than N600 million in street value.
Additionally, a Toyota Tacuma truck and two buses used for distributing the substance were recovered from the premises.
Furthermore, NDLEA officers intercepted another suspect, Ibrahim Abdulhamid, with 29,100 pills of tramadol and other opioids as well as 3.9 litres of codeine syrup at Alaba Suru, Ojo local council area of Lagos state.
In Kano and Jigawa states, major distributors of illicit drugs were apprehended.
A total of 230,600 pills of tramadol 225mg and 200mg were recovered from Yasir Rabi’u, 23, and Abubakar Ado, 30.
Another suspect, Hassan Abdullahi Ali, was nabbed with 150 bottles of codeine syrup at Kofar Nassarawa area of Kano.
In Ogun state, NDLEA operatives seized 390kg of cannabis and arrested Muhammad Sani, Nura Mohammad, and Samaila Rabe during an early morning raid at Ibese area.
Additionally, a skuchies making factory at Sabo area of Shagamu town was raided, resulting in the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of various quantities of tramadol, rophynol, diazepam, as well as different equipment used in the production of the new psychoactive substance.
The NDLEA also destroyed over 10,534.78 kilograms of cannabis on a farmland in Uhen forest in Ovia North East council area of Edo state.
Four suspects were apprehended and 16kg processed cannabis was recovered for prosecution.
Furthermore, in Ekiti state, 18,425kg of psychoactive substances on 7.37 hectares of farmland was destroyed by NDLEA operatives supported by personnel of other security agencies in the thick forest of Ise Ekiti.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, emphasized the importance of continuous efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse, highlighting the need for sustained action to dismantle drug cartels and apprehend individuals involved in illegal drug activities.
He encouraged the NDLEA personnel to stay focused and intensify their efforts in both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction initiatives.
Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes and protecting the citizens of Nigeria from the harmful effects of illicit drugs. He praised the dedication and professionalism of the NDLEA operatives and emphasized the critical role they play in safeguarding the nation’s security and well-being.
He also commended the officers and men of the Special Operation Unit in various commands across Nigeria for their outstanding arrests and seizures in the fight against illicit drug activities and expressed his appreciation for their operational successes and urged them to remain vigilant and dedicated in their efforts to reduce drug supply and demand across the country.
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