The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made multiple arrests and seized large quantities of illicit substances.
On September 6, 2024, NDLEA operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos intercepted a cargo destined for London. The shipment contained 924 bottles of codeine-based syrup and 5,250 tablets of Rohypnol, concealed within cartons of foodstuffs.
Freight agent Owojori Olanrewaju Sunday was arrested during the operation. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas, an Ibadan-based businesswoman, who allegedly orchestrated the shipment through her son, Adewunmi Akeem Temitope.
Further scrutiny revealed another operation on September 11, 2024, where NDLEA officers discovered 300 grams of cocaine hidden within auto spare parts and checkers powder custard intended for Congo Brazzaville. Auto parts dealer Arinze Ora, the sender of the consignment, was subsequently arrested.
The agency’s efforts also extended to the apprehension of key drug traffickers. On September 10, 2024, brothers Ikechukwu and Ugochukwu Ikeabba were arrested for sponsoring drug traffickers who used ingestion methods to smuggle drugs to Vietnam. Their arrest followed the earlier capture of Onitsha-based businessman Ibeanusi Solomon Nosike, who was found with 68 wraps of cocaine.
In Abuja, on August 12, 2024, Paul Okwuy Mbadugha was detained for ingesting cocaine while attempting to board a flight to Vietnam. After being under observation, he egested 88 wraps of the drug. The Ikeabba brothers were found in possession of cocaine dummies used for training traffickers.
Additionally, NDLEA operatives in Gombe State seized 2.49 million tramadol pills concealed in salt bags on September 14, 2024. Other significant seizures included 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup discovered at Tincan Port in Lagos.
The NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, engaging communities through educational outreach and advocacy. Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd) commended the agency’s efforts and called for sustained vigilance in drug supply and demand reduction.
