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Tag: NDLEA

  • NDLEA arrests intending Hajj pilgrims with cocaine consignments in Lagos

    NDLEA arrests intending Hajj pilgrims with cocaine consignments in Lagos

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested some intending pilgrims to the ongoing hajj in Saudi Arabia in  Emerald Hotel, Ladipo, Oshodi, Lagos State.

    The agency said they were lodged in the hotel and caught while ingesting wraps of cocaine ahead of their flight to the holy land.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, in a statement yesterday, said they were arrested the previous day.

    Babafemi said those arrested include Usman Kamorudeen, 31; Olasunkanmi Owolabi, 46; Fatai Yekini, 38; and a lady, Ayinla Kemi, 34.

    “The four suspects were lodged in two rooms in the hotel where they had prepared 200 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.20 kilogrammes to swallow when NDLEA officers stormed their rooms.

    Read Also: Hajj 2024: NDLEA arrests intending pilgrims with cocaine consignments

    “One hundred wraps of the Class A substance were recovered from each of the two rooms bringing the total seizure to 200 wraps. Two suspects were to swallow 100 wraps each.

    “Commending the Commander, officers and men of the Lagos state Command of NDLEA, which conducted the operation, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, said the agency will continue to spread its dragnet to track, trace and apprehend criminal elements who may want to hide under pilgrimage to carry out their nefarious activities capable of denting the image of the country.

    “The NDLEA boss also stated that ‘the Agency will work with our counterparts in Saudi Arabia to ensure that the designated recipients of seized illicit drug consignments in any part of Saudi Arabia are also traced and dealt with accordingly, ,”  the statement added.

  • Hajj 2024: NDLEA arrests intending pilgrims with cocaine consignments

    Hajj 2024: NDLEA arrests intending pilgrims with cocaine consignments

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have raided Emerald Hotel, Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos state where some intending pilgrims to the ongoing hajj in Saudi Arabia were lodged and caught in the act of ingesting wraps of cocaine ahead of their flight to the holy land on Wednesday, June 5.

    Those arrested during the intelligence-led operation include: Usman Kamorudeen, 31; Olasunkanmi Owolabi, 46; Fatai Yekini, 38; and a lady, Ayinla Kemi, 34. 

    The four suspects were lodged in two rooms in the hotel where they had prepared 200 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.20 kilograms to swallow when NDLEA officers stormed their rooms. 

    Read Also: Court remands killers of NDLEA officer in Minna

    One hundred wraps of the Class A substance were recovered from each of the two rooms bringing the total seizure to 200 wraps. Two suspects were to swallow 100 wraps each. 

    Commending the Commander, officers and men of the Lagos state Command of NDLEA, which conducted the operation, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) said the agency will continue to spread its dragnet to track, trace and apprehend criminal elements who may want to hide under pilgrimage to carry out their nefarious activities capable of denting the image of the country

    The NDLEA boss also stated that “the Agency will work with our counterparts in Saudi Arabia to ensure that the designated recipients of seized illicit drug consignments in any part of Saudi Arabia are also traced and dealt with accordingly.”

  • 70-year-old, Nigerien, three others arrested in Ekiti forest, FCT, Nasarawa

    70-year-old, Nigerien, three others arrested in Ekiti forest, FCT, Nasarawa

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nasarawa State have nabbed a 70-year-old grandfather, Muhammadu Ibrahim, with 57.2kg cannabis in Lafia, the state capital.

    The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known, said the two suspects: Suleiman Kazeem, 35, and Sunday Gbenga, 20, were arrested when NDLEA officers raided Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti in Ekiti State where they recovered 426 kilogrammes  of cannabis sativa already processed and packed in big sacks, while they destroyed over 4,000kg of same substance on 1.66 hectares of farmland last Thursday.

    Babafemi also said in Abuja, a 25-year-old lady, Blessing Thomas, was arrested with 1.0kg methamphetamine by the agency’s operatives on patrol along Kwali- Gwagwalada Expressway last Friday while travelling in a commercial bus from Lagos to Yola, Adamawa State.

    Read Also: One dead, nine arrested, as vigilantes, protesters clash in Rivers community

    Babafemi said in  astatement: “In Katsina State,76 blocks of cannabis weighing 42kg were seized from a Nigerien, Suleman Audu, 29, when he was arrested by NDLEA officers along Zaria-Malumfashi Road on Wednesday 29th May.

    “In the same vein, Commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), sensitisation activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others with equal vigour in the past week.

    “These include WADA enlightenment lecture for pupils and teachers of  Community Secondary School, Okpuno, Awka, Anambra State;  pupils and teachers of All Saints Church School, Jericho Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State; students of Western Marine College, Ajido, Badagry, Lagos and pupils of Government Girls Secondary School, Buden Gari, Bichi, Kano State.’’

  • Court remands killers of NDLEA officer in Minna

    Court remands killers of NDLEA officer in Minna

    The four soldiers who killed an official of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been remanded in prison by a Senior Magistrate Court in Minna.

    The defendants, Sani Munzali, Mu’azu Hassan, Abubakar Awalu, and Sani Abubakar were arraigned on two counts of charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

    According to the police prosecutor, Emmanuel Ogiri, the four defendants were reported to the Police A Divisional Command in Bida by one Danjuma Bisalla, while he was on duty with his team on stop and search along Ramatu Dangana road in Bida.

    He said: “You Mohammed Abdullahi, a military personnel drove a motorcycle toward them. They stopped him to search his bike and person for anti-drugs.

    “You Mohammed Abdullahi initially refused to submit yourself for search to the NDLEA officers on stop and search duty and later after much argument you left their post and thirty minutes later you mobilized and returned with six men.

    “Three dressed in Military uniform and three in mufti, namely Sani Munzali, Abubakar Auwalu, Muhazi Hassan and Abubakar Sani. Without any provocation, you conspired among yourselves and while armed with dangerous weapons such as jack-knife, Cutlass, and sticks attacked one Kingsley Ifeanyi, an NDLEA personnel in Bida who sustained an injury on his back. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre Bida where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

    Read Also: PWDS, CSOs urge Tinubu to appoint Tejuosho as humanitarian minister

    “The Nigeria army Bida on receipt of the information arrested you and court marshaled, dismissed you all from the Nigerian Army, and handed you over to the Nigeria Police for prosecution. During police Investigation, you, Sani Munzali confessed that you collected a jack-knife from the said Tanimu Mohammed now at large stabbed the deceased on his back.”

    The president Senior Magistrate, Hajiya Hadiza Hamza Imam read the charges to the suspects who pleaded not guilty to the two-count charges.

    The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Emmanuel Ogiri told the court that the investigation into the matter has just commenced requesting the court to remand them in Correctional Custody pending the completion of the investigation.

    Imma refused the oral bail application and ordered their remand adjourning the case to 20th June for further mention.

  • NDLEA intercepts codeine syrup, Loud consignments worth over N2.1billion in Lagos, Port Harcourt

    NDLEA intercepts codeine syrup, Loud consignments worth over N2.1billion in Lagos, Port Harcourt

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted large consignments of codeine-based syrup and loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, worth N2,185,000,000.00 in street value at the Port Harcourt seaport, Onne, Rivers State, and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos State.

    This was according to a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, June 2.

    He said at the Lagos airport, NDLEA officers with the cooperation of other security agencies on Friday 31st May 2024 intercepted a large consignment of Loud, packed in eight suitcases, containing 320 parcels with a total weight of 164.50kg of the strong psychoactive substance.

    Babafemi said they were from Canada on a KLM flight via Amsterdam, Netherlands.

    Read Also: Ibrahim Lamorde: Nigeria lost a gem to cold hands of death

    “The consignment estimated to be worth N960,000,000.00, which was brought in by a passenger, Ughenu Nnaife Francis was discovered at the E-arrival hall of the airport by personnel of NDLEA, Customs and others during a joint search operation by the security operatives while the suspect was attempting to smuggle the suitcases out of the hall.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a resident of Germany but travelled to Toronto, Canada to transport the drug to Nigeria. During his interview, he claimed that he was recruited as a mule to convey the drug to Nigeria for an agreed fee of Six Million Naira,” Babafemi said.

    The apokesman said at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, NDLEA operatives on Monday 27th May intercepted a container marked TEMU 6807401 imported from India enroute C to C bonded terminal in Enugu. 

    He said during a joint examination of the container by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies, 1,750 cartons of codeine weighing 26,250kg, containing 175,000 bottles of the opioid worth N1,225,000,000, in street value were discovered.

    Babafemi also said in Abuja, a 25-year-old lady, Blessing Thomas, was arrested with 1.0kg methamphetamine by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Kwali – Gwagwalada expressway on Friday 31st May while travelling in a commercial bus from Lagos to Yola, Adamawa state. 

    He added that in the same vein, operatives in Nasarawa state on Wednesday 29th May nabbed a 70-year-old grandfather, Muhammadu Ibrahim, with 57.2kg cannabis in Lafia, the state capital.

    He said two suspects: Suleiman Kazeem, 35, and Sunday Gbenga, 20, were arrested when NDLEA officers raided Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti in Ekiti state where they recovered 426 kilograms of cannabis sativa already processed and packed in big sacks, while they destroyed over 4,000kg of same substance on 1.66 hectares of farmland on Thursday 30th May.

    The statement reads: “In Katsina state,76 blocks of cannabis weighing 42kg were seized from a Nigerien, Suleman Audu, 29, when he was arrested by NDLEA officers along Zaria – Malumfashi road on Wednesday 29th May.

    “In the same vein, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others with equal vigour in the past week. 

    “These include: WADA enlightenment lecture for students and teachers of  Community Secondary School, Okpuno, Awka, Anambra state;  students and teachers of All Saints Church School, Jericho Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo state; students of Western Marine College, Ajido, Badagry, Lagos and students of Government Girls Secondary School, Buden Gari, Bichi, Kano state

    While commending the officers and men of MMIA, PHPC, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Katsina and FCT Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures.

    “Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) noted that their efforts and those of their compatriots across the country have in no small measure reduced access to and availability of illicit substances in Nigerian communities. 

    “He charged them to remain vigilant at all times and continue their collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders in their areas of responsibility.”

  • NDLEA officer emerges global winner of outstanding operational success award

    NDLEA officer emerges global winner of outstanding operational success award

    • Gets Marwa’s commendation, special promotion

    An officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Francis Ameh Igonoh, a Superintendent of Narcotics, has emerged the 2024 winner of the prestigious International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Outstanding Operational Success Award.

    This was according to a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, on Friday.

    Babafemi said, in appreciation of this, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa approved special promotion for Igonoh.

    Announcing the accelerated promotion reward for the officer during a brief ceremony where Igonoh presented the award certificates to the NDLEA boss, Marwa commended him for doing the Agency and indeed Nigeria proud.

    He said, “You have distinguished yourself in our concerted effort to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria and as such the global recognition of our role in dismantling fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine cartels clearly typifies enhanced intelligence and we can’t but equally appreciate the support of the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States in this regard.

    “I will like to also add that with this international recognition, you are not just a pride to yourself, your family but the Agency and the nation as a whole. The sacrifice of a narcotic officer cannot be quantified in gold or silver, for he is fulfilling a higher calling. As we go about our duty of securing our society against the corrosion of illicit drugs, we should be aware that we are the direct beneficiaries of our work because for every kilo of drugs seized, we are making our streets and society safer for our children, family and kinsmen.

    “This is why NDLEA is proud of its workforce; the Agency treasures the effort of its officers, men and women; the management shall continue to look out for their best interest and we shall continue to reward hard work and excellence.”

    Read Also: Soldier killed in home state Abia after surviving five years fight against terrorists

    Marwa said as a result of the officer’s dedication, commitment to work and professionalism, all attributes that have won him global recognition, he has approved his promotion to the rank of Assistant Commander of Narcotics since he’s already due for elevation to his next rank as Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, to further encourage him and his peers.

    According to the statement, the award certificate signed by Harward Lampley, Director, West Africa Regional Training Center, commended the NDLEA officer, saying the recognition was well deserved.

    “Your commitment to utilizing the skills and techniques acquired from the ILEA training has contributed to combating drug trafficking in the region. This feat is a testament of your dedication, hard work, and excellence in efforts to counter Transnational Organised Crime. The West Africa Regional Training Center (RTC) and the ILEA Program appreciate your significant contributions in promoting regional and global security”, the award certificate reads. 

  • What NDLEA should do to reduce demand for drug, by commissioner

    What NDLEA should do to reduce demand for drug, by commissioner

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should expand its mandate to include a health-centered approach to enhance the effectiveness of drug demand reduction,  Lagos State  Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has said.

    Speaking at the Lagos State Stakeholders Dialogue on Substance Abuse,  at the Ikeja Youth Centre, Ogunlende highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy in combating drug use.

     The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, in collaboration with YouthRise Nigeria, was themed “Beyond the Surface: Responding to Substance Use Among Young People.”

    It aimed to understand and address the broader determinants of drug use among the youth. Represented by Mrs. Rashidat Umar, team lead for Lagos Kicks Against Drug Abuse (LASKADA), Ogunlende emphasised the complexity of drug use among young people and called for a shift in focus.

    “If the NDLEA remains the sole authority on drug control, its mandate should be expanded to include a health-centered approach to enhance the effectiveness of drug demand reduction,” he stated.

    Ogunlende announced that Lagos is poised to relaunch its anti-drug abuse campaign, seeking collaborations to support the health and rights of people who use drugs. He advocated  a multi-stakeholder strategy involving family, community, society, and government agencies.

     “We need a comprehensive approach to effectively combat drug use, leveraging partnerships across all sectors,” he noted.

    Director of Research and Training/Head, Drug Addiction Treatment Unit, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta, Dr. Sunday Amosu, highlighted warning signs of drug use for parents.

    “A sudden change in behaviour, such as a child becoming aggressive or preferring isolation, can be indicative of drug use,” he said.

    Read Also: NDLEA arrests Paris-bound businessman for ingesting 111 wraps of cocaine

    “When a child that is easy going suddenly becomes aggressive, you need to suspect drugs. A child that would sit with you and watch TV suddenly likes to stay alone in his room, he may be having a drug problem. I have counselled parents whose children have their rooms to have a spare key to that room.”

    Amosu also advised parents to be vigilant about items like matchboxes, lighters, and syringes, and changes in routine such as frequent bathing and using menthol sweets to mask odours.

    “Once you see paraphernalia of drug use such as match box, lighter, needle and syringe more than once, he must be using it for something. Search under the bed, his textbooks, wardrobe, you may see cigarettes or other substances. When your son is bathing several times, using Tomtom or other menthol sweets to mask the smell or the odour, he is likely to be using drugs. “Or something began to go missing in the house, especially things that are expensive and you can’t trace it, suspect that someone may be using drugs.

    “When his school grades begin to drop, red eyes, darken lips, changing of friends that come when mummy and daddy are not around, attending parties all the time and looking for excuses to go out unlike before, suspect drugs,” Amosu said.

    Programme State Lead for YouthRise Nigeria, Eniola Adelokun discussed the dangers and implications of drug intake.

    “One reason for organising this program is to introduce our initiatives to Lagos residents. Our drop-in centre now supports marginalised youths, vulnerable individuals, and victims of gender-based violence. We also empower marginalised youth,” she said.

    Zonal Commander of NDLEA Zone H (covering Lagos and Ogun states), Dr. Olusegun Oke detailed the agency’s efforts to engage youth on the dangers of drug use.”

  • On illicit drugs destroyed by NDLEA

    On illicit drugs destroyed by NDLEA

    • By Tosin Damola

    Sir: On April 16, NDLEA, in its routine drug supply reduction effort, destroyed a large volume of illicit drugs at its Lagos area office in Ibereko, along the Badagry Expressway. The 304,436 kg and 40, 042 litres of illicit drugs, comprising cocaine, heroin, cannabis and tramadol, were seized in 2022.This simply means that the two states of Lagos and Ogun generated that quantity of drugs.

    That ought to be a wake-up call to the public and the government on the need to act fast, decisively and effectively to curb the menace of drug trafficking in the country.

    For discerning minds, the development called for sober reflection. This is even more worrisome because the quantity of drugs seized in Nigeria by NDLEA in the past three years far outweighs the known seizures in other African countries. Globally, there are rising concerns over the surge in the quantities of illicit drugs seized.

    That is why there are even more concerted and coordinated efforts among anti-narcotics bodies across the world. In the case of NDLEA, the agency, in the past three years, seems to have found its mojo, and has been up and doing, as evidenced by its successful interdictions.

    Read Also: EFCC secures 3,175 convictions, recovers N156b in one year

    However, the growing volume of seizures by NDLEA triggers concern about public safety and potential effects of illicit drugs on communities, such as addiction rates, increased violence and criminalities.

    The chairman and chief executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd) while speaking during the burning of the illicit drugs in Badagry, also expressed concern that the quantity of the drug haul speaks volumes about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug underworld.

    It is commendable that NDLEA is living up to its mandate by destroying all drug exhibits after successful prosecution. This action will prevent the recycling of illicit substances back into the street.

    Those who understand the dynamics of the illicit drug problem will know that the volume of drugs seized by NDLEA calls for a societal action to combat trafficking in illicit substances. NDLEA needs to do more; it needs to be more proactive.

    The federal government needs to support the agency with more funding to squarely tackle this drug problem. The general public needs to collaborate with NDLEA. And of course, the court of law needs to get tough with drug trafficking cases.

    The country and its people will benefit immensely if all concerned continue to do their best towards tackling trafficking in illicit substances.

    •Tosin Damola,

    Lokoja, Kogi State.

  • Paris-bound businessman excretes 111 wraps of cocaine

    Paris-bound businessman excretes 111 wraps of cocaine

    • NDLEA busts drug syndicate at Lagos airport, arrests 4, seizes 15.6kg Meth, Loud

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 48-year-old Paris, France-bound businessman, Emmanuel Okechuku Orjinze for ingesting 111 wraps of cocaine.

     Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement yesterday, said Orinze excreted the substance after days of observation in the agency’s custody, following his arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

    According to the statement, Okechukwu, who also claims he is a professional footballer in Europe, was arrested on May 21, during the outward clearance of Airfrance Flight AF 878 from Abuja to Paris.

    “After a body scan confirmed he ingested illicit drugs, he was taken into custody where he excreted a total of 111 pellets of cocaine that weighed 1.603 kilogrammes over a period of three days. The suspect claimed he does business in the maritime sector while still scouting for any European football club to engage him,” Babafemi said.

    Read Also: Lamorde, EFCC brain box exits

    Also, Babafemi said NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA ) Ikeja, have dismantled another drug trafficking syndicate at the airport.

    He said this followed the arrest of four members of the network and the seizure of a total of 8kg of methamphetamine and  7.60kg of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis imported from South Africa.

    The spokesman said the lid was blown off the syndicate when an official within the airport system was intercepted with a backpack and a bag at the departure hall of Terminal 1 of the airport by NDLEA officers with the support of Aviation Security officers on May 21, 2024.

    He said a search of the bags led to the discovery of the illicit substances. 

    “A swift follow-up operation at the Ajao Estate area of Lagos led to the arrest of two other members of the syndicate: Chris Nwadozie and Chinedu Nwaosu. Further investigation led to the arrest of another member of the cartel working within the airport system on Saturday, May 25,” Babafemi said.

    He added that in a related development, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the Lagos airport have arrested a freight agent, Sonubi Mariam Abiodun, over her attempt to cargo eight parcels of cocaine weighing 2kg concealed in three out of six paint buckets containing shea butter packaged for export to the United Kingdom on May 22.

    The statement reads: “In another part of Lagos, precisely at Igbo Elerin in Ojo Local Government Area, NDLEA officers on Tuesday, May 21, arrested a suspect, Odumegwu Obijofor, producing and distributing skuchies, a mixture of black currant and illicit drugs. No fewer than 2,480 litres of the New Psychoactive Substance, NPS, were recovered from his clandestine factory when he was arrested.

    “In Cross River state, while Ogar Emmanuel, was arrested with 2.5kg of cannabis at Ukpada Utugwan village, 29 sacks of the same substance weighing 290kg were recovered from the warehouse of another suspect, Usani Ikpi, who is at large. Three suspects: Sa’adu Sule, 23; Mukhtar Nura, 23; and Hamza Nura, 18, were nabbed at Jabiri Funtua, Katsina State on May 24 with 129 blocks of cannabis weighing 70kg coming from Ogere, Ogun state.”

    “No fewer than five suspects, including Ezekiel Munda, 30; and Sule Mustapha, 21, were  arrested by NDLEA operatives on Thursday, May 23 during raids at Karu Abattoir, Jikwoyi and Tora Bora hill area of FCT, Abuja, where 95.01kg of cannabis and different quantities of opioids were recovered from them.”

    Babafemi also said in Edo State, operatives arrested a person with disability and notorious drug dealer, Zekere Sufianu, 45, at Auchi town on May 22.

    He said at the time of his arrest, Sufianu was found with 751 grams of Loud, 178 grams of tramadol and pills of swinol.

    “In like manner, the various commands of the agency across the country continued with the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign in the past week.

    Some of them include WADA lecture for pupils and teachers of Baptist Grammar School, Iresi, Osun; pupils and teachers of Anwar-Ul-Islam Grammar School, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State; pupils of Shalom Secondary School, Saminaka, Kaduna; pupils of Government Day Secondary School, Gandu, Gombe; pupils of Pakoto Senior High School, Ifo, Ogun State; pupils of Nwafor-Orizu Demonstration Secondary School, Awka, Anambra and muslim faithful at Central Mosque, Abudu, Orhionmwon LGA, Edo State.

    “While commending the officers and men of the NAIA, MMIA, FCT, Lagos, Cross River, Katsina, and Edo Commands of the agency for their feats in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures,” the statement added.

  • NDLEA arrests Paris-bound businessman for ingesting 111 wraps of cocaine

    NDLEA arrests Paris-bound businessman for ingesting 111 wraps of cocaine

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested a 48-year-old Paris, France-bound businessman, Emmanuel Okechuku Orjinze for ingesting 111 wraps of cocaine.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement on Sunday, said Orinze excreted the substance after days of observation in the agency’s custody following his arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja.

    According to the statement, Okechukwu who also claimed he was a professional footballer in Europe was arrested on Tuesday 21st May during the outward clearance of Airfrance flight AF 878 from Abuja to Paris, France.

    “After a body scan confirmed he ingested illicit drugs, he was taken into custody where he excreted a total of 111 pellets of cocaine that weighed 1.603 kilograms over a period of three days. The suspect claimed he does business in the maritime sector while still scouting for any European football club to engage him,” Babafemi said.

    Babafemi said in the same vein, NDLEA officers operating at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos have dismantled another drug trafficking syndicate at the airport

    He said this followed the arrest of four members of the network and the seizure of a total of 8kg of methamphetamine and  7.60kg of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis imported from South Africa.

    The spokesman said the lid was blown off the syndicate when an official within the airport system was intercepted with a backpack and a bag at the departure hall of Terminal 1 of the airport by NDLEA officers with the support of Aviation Security officers on Tuesday 21st May 2024.

    He said a search of the bags led to the discovery of the illicit substances. 

    “A swift follow-up operation at Ajao Estate area of Lagos led to the arrest of two other members of the syndicate: Chris Nwadozie and Chinedu Nwaosu. Further investigation led to the arrest of another member of the cartel working within the airport system on Saturday 25th May,” Babafemi said.

    He added that in a related development, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the Lagos airport have arrested a freight agent, Sonubi Mariam Abiodun over her attempt to cargo 8 parcels of cocaine weighing 2kg concealed in three out of six paint buckets containing shea butter packaged for export to the United Kingdom on Wednesday 22nd May.

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    The statement reads, “In another part of Lagos, precisely at Igbo Elerin in Ojo local government area, NDLEA officers on Tuesday 21st May arrested a suspect, Odumegwu Obijofor producing and distributing skuchies, a mixture of black currant and illicit drugs. No fewer than 2,480 litres of the New Psychoactive Substance, NPS, were recovered from his clandestine factory when he was arrested.

    “In Cross River state, while Ogar Emmanuel, was arrested with 2.5kg of cannabis at Ukpada Utugwan village, 29 sacks of the same substance weighing 290kg were recovered from the warehouse of another suspect, Usani Ikpi, who is currently at large. Three suspects: Sa’adu Sule, 23; Mukhtar Nura, 23; and Hamza Nura, 18, were nabbed at Jabiri Funtua, Katsina state on Friday 24th May with 129 blocks of cannabis weighing 70kg coming from Ogere, Ogun state.

    “No fewer than five suspects including: Ezekiel Munda, 30; and Sule Mustapha, 21, were  arrested by NDLEA operatives on Thursday 23rd May during raids at Karu Abattoir, Jikwoyi and Tora Bora hill area of FCT, Abuja, where 95.01kg of cannabis and different quantities of opioids were recovered from them.”

    Babafemi also said that in Edo state, operatives arrested a person with disability and notorious drug dealer, Zekere Sufianu, 45, at Auchi town on Wednesday 22nd May.

    He said at the time of his arrest, Sufianu was found with 751 grams of Loud, 178 grams of tramadol and pills of swinol.

    “In like manner, the various commands of the Agency across the country continued with the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign in the past week.

    Some of them include: WADA sensitisation lecture for students and teachers of Baptist Grammar School, Iresi, Osun; students and teachers of Anwar-Ul-Islam Grammar School, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo state; students of Shalom Secondary School, Saminaka, Kaduna; students of Government Day Secondary School, Gandu, Gombe; students of Pakoto Senior High School, Ifo, Ogun state; students of Nwafor-Orizu Demonstration Secondary School, Awka, Anambra and muslim faithful at Central Mosque, Abudu, Orhionmwon LGA, Edo state.

    “While commending the officers and men of the NAIA, MMIA, FCT, Lagos, Cross River, Katsina, and Edo Commands of the Agency for their outstanding feats in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures,” the statement reads.