By Joke Kujenya
AFTER a prolonged manhunt spanning over two months, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has successfully apprehended three key members of a well-organized criminal network engaged in illicit drug trafficking across several countries.
The breakthrough, according to the NDLEA, follows the recent interception of the largest-ever heroin shipment at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.
The operation, which commenced on February 10, 2024, led to the recovery of a staggering 51.90 kilograms of heroin concealed within industrial machinery at the airport’s Cargo Terminal.
Additionally, NDLEA operatives seized over 2.2 kilograms of the illicit substance from the syndicate’s warehouse in Lagos.
In a significant development, two of the wanted kingpins, Onyinyechi Irene Igbokwuputa and Frankline Uzochukwu, were apprehended in Lagos and Akwa, Anambra state, respectively.
Another key member, Osita Emmanuel Obinna, was also arrested in Lagos.
Furthermore, NDLEA officers thwarted an attempt to export drugs via the Lagos airport when they intercepted suspected Iheakara Ifeanchukwu Festus, who was carrying 20 parcels of cannabis destined for Muscat, Oman.
In Adamawa state, operatives intercepted a vehicle transporting 1,250,000 opioid pills, while in Bayelsa state, three individuals were arrested in connection with the seizure of 69 blocks of cannabis.
Similar operations in Ondo, Imo and other states led to the arrest of several suspects and the destruction of large cannabis plantains.
Meanwhile, NDLEA commands nationwide have intensified their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy efforts, conducting sensitization lectures and outreach programmes to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Brigadier-Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the officers for the efforts and applauded the increased focus on both drugs supply reduction and demand reduction activities across the country.
