The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced in a statement on Sunday by Femi Babafemi that its operatives have intercepted a large consignment of opioids from India, weighing 26,250 kg and containing 175,000 bottles.
This seizure comes barely a week after a similar shipment of 175,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup was intercepted at the Port Harcourt Ports complex.
In addition to the opioid seizure, NDLEA officers have also intercepted illicit drugs concealed in ladies’ clothes and synthetic hair destined for the United States and the United Kingdom.
The drugs, which included pentazocine injection, promethazine, and other opioids, were seized at a courier firm in Lagos.
In separate incidents, NDLEA operatives arrested a Nigerien national, Hassan Mummuni, with 4,000 pills of diazepam and 1.25 kg of cannabis in Kebbi State, while another suspect, Ibrahim Abubakar (aka Alhajiji), was arrested in Gombe State with 6,740 pills of tramadol and 20,000 tablets of diazepam.
Furthermore, NDLEA operatives recovered 1,098 bottles of codeine-based syrup from a suspect, Onyekachi ThankGod Iwula, in Benue State.
Furthermore, NDLEA operatives recovered 1,098 bottles of codeine-based syrup from a suspect, Onyekachi ThankGod Iwula, in Benue State. These seizures and arrests demonstrate the agency’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.
Babafemi said, “In Bauchi State, NDLEA officers on patrol along the Ningi-Kano road on Wednesday, June 5, arrested a 20-year-old lady, Hasana Usman, with 25 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 28.2 kg, while their counterparts in Yobe State nabbed Ali Mohammed, 42, along the Kano-Potiskum road, with 19,000 pills of tramadol 225 mg concealed in a black sack and the suspect’s travelling bag.
“In Oyo State, 57-year-old Oladimeji Samson was arrested in a commercial bus at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway with 79 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 44.4 kg and 48 grams of ecstasy, all concealed in the engine compartment under the driver’s seat of the bus.
“Not less than 17,980 pills of tramadol and other opioids were seized from a suspect, Ali Isiaka Mohammed, 36, following his arrest at Ganaja Village, Lokoja LGA, Kogi State, while the duo of Blessing Samuel, 35, and Unnanchi Mike, 34, were arrested with 804 bottles of codeine syrup at Narayi, Kaduna State. Also in Kaduna, Tijjani Umar, 37, and Yahaya Suleman, 35, were arrested with 33.9 kilograms of cannabis sativa at Lafiya area, Kudan LGA of the state.
“At least nine suspects, including Salisu Sanda, 48, and James Andrew, 25, were arrested by NDLEA operatives during a raid at Toaabora Hills area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Saturday, June 8, with a total of 83.01 kg of cannabis recovered from them.”
Reacting to the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), commended the officers and personnel of the PHPC, Gombe, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Oyo, Yobe, Bauchi, Kebbi, and FCT Commands, as well as those of DOGI, for their arrests and seizures.
Marwa highlighted that their efforts to reduce drug supply are complemented by WADA sensitisation activities, urging them and their colleagues nationwide to maintain their dedication and momentum.