By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia
OPERATIVES OF the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted significant quantities of drugs concealed in shipments bound for the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and Cyprus.
They found 250 grams of cocaine hidden in the soles of custom-made shoes bound for Cyprus.
They also discovered over five kilograms of opioids, including tramadol and pentazocine injections, in clothes and household items destined for the US and UK.
These discoveries were made by the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) in various courier firms in Lagos.
In another operation, NDLEA officers intercepted a shipment of 440 grams of Loud, a synthetic cannabis strain, from Canada to Lagos at a logistic company.
On July 10, 2024, in Edo State, NDLEA operatives stopped a vehicle at Ewu junction, Esan Central LGA, based on credible intelligence.
They found 3,000 pills of tramadol 225mg hidden in custard containers belonging to Aminu Abdullahi, 32.
Abdullahi claimed he bought the drugs in Onitsha and was transporting them to Abuja to sell.
The next day, July 11, operatives raided Ohen forest in Abudu, Edo, destroying 5,429.751 kg of cannabis on 2.918 hectares of farmland. They arrested four suspects: Godday Ariye, 37; Friday Okafor, 59; Obinna Nwosu, 48; and Yusuf Adamu, 27.
Additionally, they recovered 300 kg of cannabis from Uzzeba Obi camp in Owan West LGA on July 13.
In Ogun State, on July 9, operatives recovered 2,865 kg of cannabis at Afami Ibese.
The suspected owner, Umar Ibese, remains at large.
In Konduga, Borno State, on the same day, NDLEA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, seized 2,455 kg of materials for producing Akuskura, a new psychoactive substance, from a warehouse.
Also on July 10, NDLEA officers in Katsina arrested Sabo Sule, 54, with 47 kg of cannabis.
In Lagos, on July 8, operatives raided a warehouse in VGC, Lekki, seizing 148 cartons of non-medical nitrous oxide, 108 cartons of fast gas cylinders, 134 pieces of balloons, and 109 cartons of infusion chargers.
They arrested a female suspect, Suliyat Abdulsalam, in connection with the seizure.
The agency affirmed its continued War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the efforts of the officers and men involved in these operations and urged them to maintain the current momentum in their drug supply reduction and WADA sensitization activities.
Femi Babafemi, Media and Publicity Director, NDLEA, in a statement notes that recent WADA enlightenment lectures took place at St. Louis Grammar School in Ibadan, Infant Jesus Model Secondary School in Akwa Ibom, Ede High School in Osun, Government Day Secondary School in Katsina, and Rehoboth Secondary School in Anambra.
