The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria.
In a recent operation, the agency intercepted parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, concealed in microwaves imported from Thailand and wraps of cocaine built into ladies’ lipsticks going to Guinea at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos.
According to Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s spokesman, the seizure was made possible through credible intelligence, which led to a thorough search of the cargo.
“We received intelligence that a consolidated cargo containing 23 parcels of Loud weighing 11.3kg was being smuggled into the country,” Babafemi said.
“Our operatives worked tirelessly to track down the shipment and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.” Babafemi said.
In a related development, the NDLEA has arrested a notorious drug kingpin, Okechukwu Izugha, also known as Okey Omeogo, who had been evading capture for 12 months. Izugha was identified as the owner of a 9kg cocaine consignment seized from a suspect, Obiora Joseph Agudosi, at a motor park in Orile, Lagos, in August 2024.
The NDLEA has also made significant seizures in other parts of the country. In Edo State, the agency destroyed 28,054.053 kilograms of skunk on three farms measuring over 11 hectares at Ewere Uzebba forest.
In Taraba State, 577,890 pills of opioids and 1.160kg skunk concealed in a petrol tanker were seized. The agency also intercepted 18,759 ampoules of pentazocine, pills of tramadol, and rohypnol in Borno State, and 116,226 pills of tramadol and D-5 in Gombe State.
The NDLEA has commended its officers and men for their efforts in pursuing a fair balance between drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts. “The agency remains committed to ridding the country of illicit substances and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to prevent the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria,” Babafemi said. “We urge members of the public to support our efforts by reporting any suspicious activities to us.” The agency’s spokesman stated.
