NDLEA Drug Crackdown

ABUJA – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide drug crackdown, leading to startling arrests, including two octogenarians, and massive drug seizures valued at over N3.2 billion. These operations highlight the agency’s ongoing efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria.

Elderly Suspects Among Those Detained

In a surprising turn of events in Kaduna State, NDLEA operatives apprehended Ayuba Ashiru, an 80-year-old man. Ashiru, who had previously served a 10-year prison sentence for drug dealing, was reportedly caught with 2.3kg of skunk. He allegedly confessed to being involved in the illicit drug trade for an astonishing 46 years.

Meanwhile, in Abia State, 82-year-old Uloma Uchechi Sunday and her 32-year-old daughter, Chisom Uchechi, were arrested. They were found in possession of quantities of methamphetamine, tramadol, and cannabis. The elderly woman reportedly admitted that their family took over the drug business after her son, who initiated it, passed away two years prior.

Billion-Naira Drug Seizures Rock Nigerian Ports

The agency’s drug crackdown also delivered significant blows at the nation’s seaports. At Onne Port in Rivers State, officers made a substantial interception of 3 million pills, identified as tapentadol and carisoprodol, concealed within a container that was under surveillance. This single seizure is estimated to be worth over N2.1 billion. “The seizure was made during a joint examination with Customs and other agencies,” stated NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi.

Further highlighting the scale of port operations, another watch-listed shipment at the Apapa Port in Lagos, falsely declared as car parts, was discovered to contain 169,800 bottles of codeine syrup. This haul is valued at approximately N1.1 billion. In a separate Lagos operation, officers also cleverly intercepted 250 grams of cocaine. The illicit substance was craftily hidden inside female headgear destined for Australia.