NDLEA Intercepts N3.4bn Drugs, Arrests Fake Police Officer

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted illicit drugs worth more than N3.4 billion in operations across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The seizures included over 1.3 million opioid tablets and capsules and about 6,000kg of cannabis, the agency said.

Among the major interceptions was 603.75kg of Canadian Loud, a potent cannabis strain valued at N1.81 billion.

NDLEA operatives found the consignment at the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos during a joint inspection with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.

The shipment arrived from Montreal, Canada, on September 12. Officers examined it on Wednesday, September 16.

According to a statement by NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, officers found the drugs in 31 black jumbo bags.

The bags sat inside two Toyota Sienna vehicles packed in a 40-foot container.

Meanwhile, operatives in Delta State arrested a 49-year-old man who allegedly posed as a senior police officer.

The suspect allegedly used the identity to evade security checks while moving illicit drugs.

NDLEA officers arrested him on September 16 along the Benin-Onitsha Expressway in Asaba.

They recovered 292.48kg of skunk concealed inside his silver Toyota Sienna bus.

The agency said preliminary investigation showed that the suspect allegedly posed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

He also allegedly carried a forged police identification card to avoid scrutiny at checkpoints. Another suspect was arrested in connection with the operation.

In Edo State, officers raided an auto-repair workshop along Agbor Road, Benin City, following intelligence.

They arrested a 45-year-old man and recovered 48kg of Canadian Loud and 152 grammes of methamphetamine.

The officers also recovered a metal box allegedly used to store the illicit substances.

Niger State also recorded a major seizure involving pharmaceutical opioids.

NDLEA operatives arrested two suspects along the Abaji-Abuja Highway on September 18.

They recovered more than 1.1 million assorted tramadol tablets and capsules, codeine syrup, methamphetamine and Exol tablets.

The suspects allegedly transported the drugs from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

Earlier, officers arrested three young suspects along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Chachi, Tafa Local Government Area.

The suspects allegedly carried two locally made AK-47 rifles, a magazine and a locally made pistol.

Officers also recovered a magazine and nine rounds of 9mm ammunition from a black travel bag.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives recovered 48,900 pills of tramadol 225mg from a residence in Aguda, Surulere.

The agency also intercepted 59kg of cannabis at a logistics company and arrested a suspect.

In another operation at Apongbo, officers arrested a 43-year-old man with 998.38kg of nitrous oxide gas.

Gombe State also recorded a major opioid seizure, with officers recovering 154,480 tramadol capsules from two suspects.

The arrests occurred at Barunde and Gombe main market during separate operations.

In Imo State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 25-year-old suspect along the Owerri-Onitsha Road with 43.85kg of skunk.

Four suspects also faced arrest after officers raided a two-hectare cannabis farm in Ita-Ogbolu forest, Ondo State.

The operation led to the destruction of 5,000kg of skunk. Officers also recovered 48kg of dry and fresh cannabis for prosecution.

Beyond the arrests and seizures, the agency said it continued its War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns across the country.

The campaigns targeted schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities in several states.

Recent engagements took place in institutions across Oyo, Anambra, Lagos and Taraba states.

The Delta Ports Command also visited the Pere Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom as part of its WADA advocacy activities.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), commended officers involved in the operations.

He praised the Lagos, Tin-Can, Edo, Niger, Delta, Ondo, Gombe, Imo and FCT Commands for their intelligence-led work.

Marwa urged officers nationwide to maintain a balanced approach to drug control while sustaining efforts against illicit drug trafficking.