The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted a significant quantity of cocaine and opioids in Lagos. The illicit drugs, including tramadol, pentazocine injection, morphine sulphate, and ketamine injection, were concealed in shoe soles, clothes, and other items. These drugs were destined for the United States, United Kingdom, and Cyprus before being seized by NDLEA operatives.
According to a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA officers discovered 250 grams of cocaine concealed in the soles of custom-made shoes that were bound for Cyprus. Additionally, over five kilograms of opioids were intercepted, intended for the US and UK.
The statement further highlighted the interception of a consignment of 440 grams of a synthetic strain of cannabis known as Loud, which was imported from Canada to Lagos. The NDLEA operatives also raided a laughing gas warehouse in VGC Lekki, where they recovered various items, including 148 cartons of non-medical nitrous oxide (laughing gas), 108 cartons of fast gas cylinders, 134 pieces of balloons, and 109 cartons of infusion chargers. A female suspect, Suliyat Abdul Salam, was apprehended during the operation.
In another operation, the NDLEA intercepted a vehicle in Edo State and discovered 3,000 pills of tramadol 225mg hidden in custard containers. The suspect claimed that the drugs were purchased in Onitsha, Anambra State, and were intended for sale in the Mararaba area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Furthermore, the NDLEA conducted raids on farmlands in Ohen forest, Abudu area of Edo State, where they destroyed 5,429.751kg of cannabis. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the operation. In another location in Owan West LGA, 300 kilograms of cannabis were recovered.
The NDLEA also seized a total of 2,865 kilograms of cannabis in Afami Ibese, Ogun State. The suspected owner, Umar Ibese, is currently at large. In yet another operation, the agency recovered 2,455 kilograms of materials used for the production of Akuskura, a new psychoactive substance, from a warehouse in Konduga town, Borno State.
These operations conducted by the NDLEA demonstrate the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. The successful interceptions and arrests will contribute to the ongoing efforts to curb the illegal drug trade and protect the well-being of the society.
