ABUJA – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a heavy blow to drug trafficking networks. Agency operatives intercepted over six million opioid pills. They also seized 332,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup. These illicit substances hold a street value of ₦6.52 billion. The significant seizures occurred at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne and the Apapa seaport in Lagos.
Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, announced the successes in a statement. “The seizures followed intelligence and tracking of new trafficking routes used by drug cartels,” Babafemi explained. This highlights the agency’s proactive approach.
The Port Harcourt operation took place on May 19 and 20. NDLEA collaborated with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies. This joint effort uncovered six million pills and 162,000 bottles of syrup. At Apapa seaport, a similar exercise led to finding 170,000 more bottles of codeine syrup. This major drug seizure in Nigeria has disrupted key supply lines.
Airport Sting Snares International Syndicate
In a dramatic operation, NDLEA agents arrested four suspects at Lagos International Airport. Two of these suspects are British nationals. They were caught attempting to smuggle 51.10kg of Loud, a very potent cannabis strain, out of Nigeria. This targeted the drug trafficking routes through air travel.
One of the couriers, Mhizha Jordan Alexander Tatendra, confessed after his arrest. “I was promised £1,300 to deliver the package,” he admitted. NDLEA operatives tracked him from his arriving Qatar Airways flight. He was met in a car park by Ayedipe Andrew Adejuwon, identified as the Nigerian-British ringleader.
A follow-up raid on their apartment in Lekki led to more discoveries. Officers found ₦3.8 million cash, various foreign currencies, and drug-related items, including laughing gas canisters. “Adejuwon admitted arriving from South Africa via Ghana a day earlier,” Babafemi added, showing the international connections of the opioid and codeine bust network.
Nationwide Raids Dismantle More Drug Operations
The NDLEA’s efforts extended across Nigeria with sweeping enforcement actions. In Cross River and Edo states, large cannabis farms covering 30 hectares were found and destroyed. Officers seized nearly 2,300kg of skunk in these rural operations.
Further raids in Nasarawa, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Niger states resulted in intercepting huge quantities of skunk. Tramadol, diazepam, and Colorado were also seized. In Lagos, operations in Osapa London and Ibeju Lekki led to more arrests. Seizures included cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), molly, and cannabis.
NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa commended the agency’s widespread efforts. He stated, “Our operatives are achieving a critical balance between supply reduction and demand control.” This underscores the comprehensive strategy against drug trafficking.
By Kayode Ojo
