Sport

By Olusegun Folarin

Ogun State Government is seeking to  eradicate the use of drugs and its abuse among athletes to have a drug free festival as the state prepares for the multi sport event.

Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, stated this in Abeokuta while receiving the team from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA  led by the State Commandant, Mr Tijani Rabe.

Mr Isiaka pointed out that the National Sports Festival was not just a national event, but also a tournament of unity and togetherness,.

He expressed the readiness of the state to collaborate with the NDLEA to achieve a common goal of having a drug-free festival.

The commissioner emphasized the need for sporting activities to be void of drugs and other banned or illegal substances.

Earlier, the State Commandant, Commander of Narcotics, Mr Tijani Rabe had submitted that though the Agency and the Ministry of Sports Development had been walls apart, the courtesy visit would help in bringing the two institution together for growth.

He stated that the collaboration with the Ministry would be a game-changer to dissuade athletes, coaches and officials from the use and abuse of drugs, adding that his agency was ready to train and re-train the state athletes so as to have a fair tournament.

Crime

By Olaolu Fawole

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted a consignment of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, concealed in duvet, packaged for export to the United Kingdom through the cargo shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy of NDLEA in a statement on Sunday said two suspects, Adakole Sunday and Austin Balogun linked to the bid to export the consignment to the UK were promptly arrested following the discovery by NDLEA officers on Tuesday 21st January 2025.

The statement said further that six parcels of the psychoactive substance with a gross weight of 3.50 kilograms were concealed inside the duvet.

In his statement, Austin Balogun who is the main agent who hired Adakole, claimed he was paid N700,000 to cargo the consignment to UK but spent a fraction of the money on export handling charges and the bulk to pay for an apartment.

At least, two suspects, Joseph Oluwasegun Adewale and Biodun Adelakun were arrested at Igbo Olumo, Ikorodu area of Lagos when NDLEA operatives raided their hideout in the community where seven litres of skuchies, a new psychoactive substance produced with black currant, cannabis and opioids, were recovered.

Other exhibits seized from the duo include: three locally made double barrel riffles; one locally made double barrel pistol; one English made pistol; one locally made single barrel riffle; three cartridges and one empty 9mm cartridge as well as an iron – head axe.

Another raid in Lagos on Sunday 19th January led to the seizure of 47kg skunk, a strain of cannabis, and 25.46kg Nitrous Oxide popularly known as laughing gas at the notorious Akala area of Mushin.

In Ekiti, a 26-year-old suspect Adepoju Taiwo was arrested by NDLEA officers on Thursday 23rd January with 1.950kg Canadian Loud at Iworoko road, Ilokun, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, while Auwal Sani was nabbed by operatives on Monday 20th January at Bode Saadu in Moro local government area of Kwara State.

A total of 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg weighing 36.56kg were recovered from him.
A Nigerien, Abubakar Lami, 45, with two others: Abba Sani, 35, and Auwal Aliyu, 32, were arrested by NDLEA operatives at Gadar Tamburawa, Kano, while 13.1kg skunk and 125 litres of ‘suck and die’, a new psychoactive substance were recovered from them.

In Gefen Kasa, Dawakin Kudu council area of Kano state, a cannabis plantation was located and destroyed by a team of NDLEA officers who arrested a suspect, Sabo Ali Muhammad, 45, linked to the farm.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Lagos, Kano, Kwara, and Ekiti Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) also applauded their compatriots in all the commands across the country for intensifying the WADA social advocacy lectures and sensitization activities in every part of their areas of responsibility.

Crime

By Olaolu Fawole

A 40ft trailer load of skunk, a strain of cannabis, weighing 2,217.6 kilograms has been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, while being distributed into six vehicles at an abandoned fuel station in Kagini, Kubwa area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja for onward distribution to some Northern states.

The intelligence-led operation, which took place at 1:20am on Saturday 11th January 2025 led to the seizure of not only the large illicit consignment but also the trailer and the six vehicles as well as the arrest of a suspect, 42-year-old Isaac Monday Desmond.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy of NDLEA in a statement on Sunday said the consignment was loaded into the trailer at Uzebba in Owan local council area of Edo State.

In another raid in the FCT, two suspects: Anthony Nnamdi, 42, and Abba Ali, 27, were arrested by NDLEA officers at Nyanya, where a combined 1.398kg cocaine and a precursor substance used in preparing crack cocaine were recovered from them.

No fewer than 20 wraps of cocaine weighing 330grams have been recovered from a cargo going to Australia at a logistics firm in Lagos by officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, in NDLEA.

The cocaine parcels were concealed around the body of face cream containers in the shipment.A total of Three Hundred and Thirty-Eight Thousand Two Hundred (338,200) bottles of codeine-based syrup worth more than One Billion One Hundred and Ninety Million One Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand Two Hundred Naira (N1,190,168,200.00) in street value, were intercepted in two containers watch-listed by the Agency following processed intelligence.

The illicit consignments were discovered during joint examination of the containers by NDLEA operatives, Customs and other security agencies on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th January 2025 at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state.

In Lagos, the traditional chief priest of the Igunuko shrine, Alpha beach Ajah Lekki where 2,760kg skunk was recovered on 25th October 2024, Bariu Aliu (alias Malo) has been arrested by NDLEA operatives after over three months of manhunt for him.

Though two of his accomplices were earlier arrested at the shrine last year and had since been charged and convicted in court, Bariu was said to be the leader of the syndicate.

A suspect, Habibu Ya’u, 23, was nabbed by NDLEA officers who raided Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria road, Kano on Thursday 9th January where they recovered 45 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.2kg; and 40,800 pills of opioids including tramadol from him.

While commending the officers and men of DOGI, FCT, PHPC, Lagos, and Kano Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

Crime

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has arrested 675 drug offenders in Ogun State this year, out of which 221 persons have been convicted by the courts of law, while other cases are at various stages of prosecution.

Ogun State Commander of the Agency, Mr Tijani Rabe made this known to journalists in Abeokuta while highlighting the achievements of the Command for 2024.

The NDLEA State Commander also pointed out that 9.7 tons of hard drugs with more than 537 litres of liquid-based illicit substances were also seized by the Command during the period under review.

Mr Rabe equally disclosed the destruction of 6 hectares of cannabis and notable arrests recorded through the launch of a special intervention, tagged “operation closed gate” carried out at the state entry points to check the activities of drugs merchants and syndicates.

He acknowledged the support of sister security agencies, the residents and other partners in the ongoing battle against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, promising that the command would sustain its public awareness campaigns to free the state from the scourge of illicit drugs.

Health

By Mosope Kehinde

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abass has urged all relevant stakeholders to join hands with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Dr Abass gave the charge while speaking at the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with the theme: ‘The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention.’

The speaker, who was represented by the member representing Ibadan South East/North East federal constituency and the Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, Mr. Abass Adigun lamented that the menace is speedily destroying the fabric of Nigerian society, particularly the youth population.

Mr. Adigun, while presenting the Speakers’ speech, called for more investment in comprehensive prevention programmes that would address the root causes of drug use and trafficking, saying stakeholders must ensure that traffickers are stopped from getting their destructive substances into the society. 

“This requires a multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, civil society organizations, families, and communities. It is against this background that we support increased investment in preventive actions especially in the areas of awareness-creation, education, counselling, advocacy and therapy to strengthen individual’s resistance against drug abuse,” he stated.

While commending the efforts of the NDLEA and one of its partners, UNODC, for working tirelessly to combat the menace, Mr. Adigun called for more budgetary provisions for NDLEA in the face of its multi-faceted mandate.

He, however, assured that the House of Representatives will continue to combat drug trafficking and abuse in the country, maintaining that the fight is a collective responsibility.

“We have passed several laws and resolutions aimed at strengthening the legal framework for drug control and providing the NDLEA with the resources it needs to effectively carry out its mandate. The recent amendment of the NDLEA ACT which prescribes the harshest punishments for manufacturers and traffickers of hard drugs is a clear indication of our commitment to this cause”, he concluded.

In his address, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), OFR, said operatives of the agency have arrested 52,901 drug traffickers, including 48 barons, and obtained over 9,000 convictions of suspects in the last three years.

The NDLEA boss said efforts to achieve a drug-free Nigeria are being led with preventive steps, one of which has been blocking distribution channels.

Other dignitaries who spoke at the event include Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Senator Sadiq Umar, who represented the Senate President; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman; Chairman of MTN Foundation, Julius Adeluyi and guest lecturer at the event, Dr. Vincent Udenze of Intersect Consortium, among others.

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Health

By Rasheedah Makinde

The high rate of drug abuse, especially among the youths is responsible for the influx of mentally derailed people in the society.

A professor of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at the University College Teaching Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Victor Laosebikan stated this in a lecture in Ibadan to commemorate this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organized by the Oyo State Drug Abuse Control Committee, OYSDACC in collaboration with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

Professor Laosebikan said drug abuse always have negative effects on people’s health psychologically, physically and mentally.

He said at the psychiatrist wards of most hospitals in Nigeria, drug abusers took the larger percentage in the number of the patients. 

Professor Laosebikan explained that consequences of drug abuse could be immediate or long term, which most times affect brain and possibly lead to mental illnesses or disorders. 

He called on people, especially those addicted to drugs to seek help in order not to jeopardize their lives. 

On her part, the Commissioner for Health in Oyo State, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi said the event marked yet another landmark in their collective journey towards advancing strategies to stem the tide of the societal menace of drug abuse and its illicit trafficking. 

The health commissioner said the programme would address a pressing issue of drug abuse and illicit trafficking that pose as threat to national security and development.

“As we mark the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we are reminded of the devastating impact of drugs on individuals, families, and communities worldwide” she explained.

She noted that with this year’s theme, “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”, it was pertinent for all stakeholders to see preventive measures as the most effective way to address drug abuse menace in the society.

“By investing in prevention, we can reduce the demand for drugs, support healthier choices, and build safer communities.” the commissioner explained 

She explained that prevention was not just a strategy but a necessity for young people who deserve a future free from addiction. 

“It’s a necessity for families who have lost loved ones to drug-related violence and overdoses. It’s a necessity for the communities torn apart by drug-related crime and corruption.”

“Investing in prevention means providing access to education, healthcare, and social services, it means promoting healthy lifestyles, life skills, and coping mechanisms. It means supporting research and innovation to better understand addiction and develop effective treatments”.

“Governments, civil society, international organizations, and individuals must work together to create a world where drug abuse is not tolerated and where support and treatment are available to all who need them.” 

“​As we convene to commemorate the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we are reminded of the intricate and far-reaching consequences of drug abuse on individuals, communities, and societies worldwide”. Dr Ajetunmobi explained.

The theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” underscores the imperative of prioritizing prevention strategies in our collective efforts to address drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Prevention is a multifaceted approach that encompasses a range of evidence-based interventions, policies, and programs aimed at reducing the demand for drugs, mitigating the harms associated with drug use, and promoting healthier and safer communities.

In her good will message, Chairman of the Codeine Control and Other Related Matters Working Group, Professor Toyin Odeku said the war against drug abuse should not be left for government alone, hence the need for collaboration of religious, community and traditional leaders who are closer to the grassroots.

Professor Odeku explained that if all hands are on deck in the fight against the menace, it would be reduced to the barest minimum.

Earlier, Director, National Drug Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Oyo State Command, Mr Olayinka Joe-Fadile said the major bottleneck in fighting drug war was the way social media and movie industry glamorizes in their content. 

Mr Joe-Fadile said if Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, NBC, could sanction movie producers who were fond of showcasing drug usage and trafficking in their works, it would go a long way at reducing the menace. 

The NDLEA boss in Oyo State, therefore, called on parents and guardians to monitor their children and wards in order for them not become a victim of drug offenders.

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News

By Rasheedah Makinde

Nigeria drug law enforcement agency, NDLEA says it has declared zero tolerance for drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The NDLEA commander in Oyo state, Mr Olayinka Joe-Fadile stated this during a walk to commemorate this year’s international day against Drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Mr Joe-Fadile said the walk became imperative as part of efforts of the command to campaign against the wrong usage of drugs which are damaging and eating away people’s health on a daily basis.

He said despite the efforts of NDLEA and other stakeholders, the abuse of drugs and trafficking still persist, hence the need for the agency to continue its campaign on the negative effects of drugs on individuals, communities and the society at large.

Mr Joe-Fadile who explained that it was unfortunate that as NDLEA was working assiduously to eradicate drug abuse of most of the substances, the people involved always find a way of introducing new drugs to the society, noted that the command has been advocating investment in prevention of drug abuse, empowerment of communities to be able to handle the prevention as well as facilitating dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders.

Mr Joe-Fadile stated further that the command also promotes evidence base policy making of all government level and also engage communities in prevention schemes to empower youths and facilitate international cooperation.

He noted that since June last year to today, the command had arrested five hundred and fifty four suspects with various drug types and also seized five thousand three hundred and eighty eight kilograms of drugs and also convicted fifty six drug users.

“The command had also rehabilitated and released twenty two drug addicts while seven drug addicts are still in their custody for rehabilitation”.

The NDLEA boss in Oyo state, therefore , called on community, religious and traditional leaders to partner the agency to collectively nip the act of drug peddling in the bud as they are closer to the grassroots.

Our correspondent reports that The walk which started from NDLEA’s office passed through Onireke, Jembewon, mokola, Dugbe and back to their headquarters at Onireke GRA,was joined by other security agencies in Oyo state.

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Crime

By Olaolu Fawole

A snake guarded shrine used to store illicit drugs in Igor community, Benin city, Edo state, has been raided by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, who detected a specially constructed large hole storage in a wall covered with wallpapers and fetish objects.

Different quantities of illicit substances such as methamphetamine, Loud, Colorado and Arizona, all strong strains of cannabis with a total weight of 8.743 kilograms, were pulled out from the deep hole dug in the wall of the shrine building.

According to Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy of NDLEA in Abuja, on Sunday said that at least, two ladies, Sonia Chinonso Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani were arrested during the intelligence-led operation on Tuesday 18th June 2024 after the big black snake guarding the shrine was demobilized.

The statement said further that in the same vein, two suspects: Obi Ferguson,45, and Ernest Abanum, 46, were arrested on Saturday 22nd June when NDLEA operatives raided the Usen forest in Ovia South West LGA, Edo state where 209kg cannabis and a motorcycle were recovered.

Meanwhile, NDLEA officers in Lagos have intercepted a carefully packaged consignment of 8.2 kilograms of methamphetamine at a motor park in Mazamaza, Ojo area of the state.

The highly addictive illicit substance, also called ice or crystal meth was packed in imported Dunkin’ turtle love chocolate wraps and then concealed in the casing of three loud speakers.

A 39-year-old suspect, Michael Odiomume who was sending the consignment to Owerri, Imo state was promptly arrested on Wednesday 19th June at the park.

In Abuja, operatives on Tuesday 18th June intercepted a white Nissan Frontier pick up vehicle with amber lights and fake registration number of a security agency at Kiyi village in Kuje area of the FCT.

The vehicle was loaded with 454 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing 340.8kg procured at Uzeba, Edo state. A 76-year-old grandfather, Mr. Francis Omofa, linked to the consignment was arrested. He claimed to have been in the illicit drug business for 10 years.

While commending the officers and men of Edo, Lagos, and FCT Commands, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) noted the balance in their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts as well as those of their compatriots across the country.

He charged them to maintain the ongoing offensive action against drug cartels as they continue to intensify their war against drug abuse, WADA, social advocacy campaign.

Crime

By Olaolu Fawole

Barely a week after seizing a shipment of 175,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup at the Port Harcourt Ports complex in Onne, Rivers state, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have again intercepted another consignment of 175,000 bottles of the same opioid imported from India.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, said the two seizures followed earlier intelligence, which made the Agency requested that the shipment be stepped down for 100 percent examination.

According to the statement, the latest seizure of 875 cartons of codeine containing 175,000 bottles and weighing 26,250kg, was made on Friday 7th June 2024 during a joint examination by NDLEA, Customs Service and other security agencies. The container marked HASU 4787890 from India was enroute C to C bonded terminal in Enugu.

In the same vein, NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) on Wednesday 5th June intercepted five different parcels containing illicit drugs concealed in ladies’ clothes and synthetic hair going to the United States and United Kingdom.

Some of the seized drugs included 620 ampoules of pentazocine injection, promethazine and other opioids. The drug consignments were seized at a courier firm in Lagos.

In Kebbi state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Kalgo-Birnin Kebbi road on Saturday 8th June arrested a 32-year-old Nigerien, Hassan Mummuni with 4,000 pills of diazepam and 1.250kg cannabis, concealed in four pesticide tanks, while operatives in Gombe state same day arrested Ibrahim Abubakar (aka Alhajiji) at Herwagana, with 6,740 pills of tramadol and 20,000 tablets of diazepam.

Not less than 1,098 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from a suspect, Onyekachi ThankGod Iwula, 42, following his arrest in a commercial bus at Aloma junction, Otukpa, Ogbadibo LGA, Benue state.

In Bauchi state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Ningi-Kano road on Wednesday 5th June arrested a 20-year-old lady, Hasana Usman, with 25 blocks of cannabis sativa that weighed 28.2kg, while their counterparts in Yobe state nabbed Ali Mohammed, 42, along Kano-Potiskum road, with 19,000 pills of tramadol 225mg 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 of 44.4kg 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 local government area 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 8th June with a total of 83.01kg cannabis recovered from them.

While commending the officers and men of PHPC, Gombe, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Oyo, Yobe, Bauchi, Kebbi and FCT Commands as well as those of DOGI for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) noted, charged them and their compatriots across the country to maintain the zeal and tempo.

Crime

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has declared a couple, Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade and Rashidat Ayinke Owoalade, wanted for running a cocaine cartel from India.

This follows the arrest of four members of the syndicate in Lagos, where a Sports Utility Vehicle was recovered and two houses traced to them were sealed for forfeiture to the Federal Government.

This was made known in a statement signed by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, and shared on its website on Sunday.

The statement read, “A couple, Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade (alias Abdul Qassim Adisa Balogun) and Rashidat Ayinke Owoalade (alias Bolarinwa Rashidat Ayinke), who runs a cocaine cartel from India has been declared wanted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency following the arrest of four members of the syndicate in Lagos where a Sports Utility Vehicle was recovered and two houses already traced to them sealed for forfeiture to the Federal Government.

“Two members of the syndicate: Imran Taofeek Olalekan and Ishola Isiaka Olalekan were arrested on April 3, 2024 following their bid to export 3.40kg cocaine on a Qatar Airlines flight going to Oman through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos.

“While Imran was the courier conveying the drug consignment to Oman, Ishola recruited him for the head of the cartel, which investigation has now revealed to be Alhaji Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade whose Indian residence permit bears Abdul Qassim Adisa Balogun based in India.

“Efforts to dismantle his network in Nigeria paid off after five weeks of surveillance and follow up operations when another member of the syndicate, Hamed Abimbola Saheed, who works directly with the baron was arrested on Tuesday 14th May at Abule Egba area of Lagos. It was indeed Saheed who lodged Imran in a hotel a day before his aborted trip to Oman and equally dropped him and Ishola at the Lagos airport the day they were arrested.”

During a search of Hamed’s house, NDLEA operatives were said to have recovered some phenacetine, a cutting agent for Cocaine, weighing 900 grams.

He was said to have confessed that the recovered substance was what was left of the consignment Imran was taking to Oman the day he was arrested.

His arrest led to a follow up operation at the home of the Owoalade couple at 20, Eyiaro Street, Ogudu Orioke, Lagos where another suspect was arrested and a new model Toyota RAV4 SUV marked FKJ-773 JJ belonging to Rashidat and additional 400 grams of Cocaine recovered in addition to already prepared suitcases to be used for illicit drug concealment, digital weighing scales and other paraphernalia.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

Crime

By Olaolu Fawole

Over two months after they were declared wanted, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested three members of an organized criminal organization which specializes in illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Europe and America.

This followed the recent seizure of the single largest consignment of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy of NDLEA in a statement on Sunday, said that a total of 51.90 kilograms of heroin had been recovered from members of the drug cartel in an operation that began on 10th February 2024 at the SAHCO Import Shed of the airport’s Cargo Terminal.

According to the statement, the consignment was concealed in 15 cartons of 2300-watt metal cutting machines, with no less than 45 blocks of the illicit substance weighing 49.70kg recovered from the equipment, while additional 2.2kg was seized at the syndicate’s warehouse in Ayobo area of Lagos.

It said further that while the Agency has secured interim forfeiture court order on hotel, mansions, vehicles and funds traced to members of the syndicate after arresting four of them, a manhunt was also launched for others who went underground.

The effort however paid off on Friday 19th April when two of the wanted kingpins: Onyinyechi Irene Igbokwuputa and Frankline Uzochukwu were arrested in Lagos and Awka, Anambra States, while another wanted member of the syndicate, Osita Emmanuel Obinna was equally nabbed in Lagos.

In the same vein, the attempt by a suspect, Iheakara Ifeanyichukwu Festus to export a drug consignment through the terminal 2 of the Lagos airport to Muscat, Oman via Ethiopian airline flight on Thursday 18th April was thwarted by NDLEA officers.

When his luggage was searched, 20 big parcels of cannabis weighing 9.80kg were discovered concealed in his bag. In his statement, the suspect who lives in Muscat, Oman and returned to Nigeria on 1st April, confessed he was hired to courier the drug with an agreement to get paid N1,200,000 upon successful delivery in Oman.

In Adamawa State, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 20th April intercepted a car driven by Dahiru Mohammed at Girei on his way to Mubi with 1,250,000 pills of opioids weighing 450kg. The operatives had earlier intercepted along Ngurore -Yola road a J5 bus marked AAA790XV loaded with motor spare parts from Onitsha, Anambra State, with consignments of Codeine Syrup and Tramadol concealed in-between the motor parts. A follow up operation led to the arrest of the recipient, Jairus Nwanchor at Jambutu motor park .

Also on Saturday 20th April, three suspects: Beriakuma Vivian Chinrdu, 40; Okpor Isaac, 68, and Daniel Onyeachom, 42, were arrested at Amarata,Yenagoa, Bayelsa State in connection with the seizure of 69 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 36kg and concealed in a false compartment of the vehicle they were travelling in.

Also, on Thursday 18th April, NDLEA operatives in Imo State, arrested Kingsley Omeje, 41, at Amajeke, Owerri while he was taking delivery of 49 bottles of codeine syrup he ordered.

In Ondo state, NDLEA operatives raided the Oloro camp, Ogbese, Akure North LGA where they arrested Linus Odogwu, 50, and destroyed a total of 25,000 kilograms of cannabis on 10 hectares of farmland while they recovered 89.5kg of same substance. Three other suspects: David Obungete Ekepenyoung, 22; Oluwaseun Folorunso,23; and Rabiu Musa, 32, were nabbed in other parts of the state in connection to different seizures totaling 77kg.

Crime

By Olaolu Fawole

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a Delhi, India-bound passenger, Freeman Charles Ogbonna at the screening point of terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos for ingesting 80 wraps of cocaine.

Ogbonna was arrested on Sunday 31st March, 2024, while attempting to board his flight to Delhi, India via Doha on Qatar Airways, with a Liberian international passport, bearing the name: Carr Bismark.

He was taken for body scan, which tested positive for ingestion of illicit drugs.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy of NDLEA Headquarters Abuja made this known in a statement issued on Sunday.


According to the statement, preliminary checks revealed his real identity as Freeman Charles Ogbonna and was subsequently placed under observation in NDLEA custody where he started to manifest signs of discomfort.

It states further that choked by the volume of illicit drugs in his stomach and another substance taken to hold back excretion, the suspect began to to vomit and excrete wraps of cocaine he ingested simultaneously.

The suspect who claimed he was recruited into drug trafficking by one of his relatives eventually passed out 80 wraps of cocaine weighing 889 grams through his mouth and anus for four days.

Ogbonna said he was given the drugs to swallow at a hotel in Ipodo area of Ikeja with a promise to reward him with N300,000 cash if he successfully delivers the consignment in India.

In the same vein, NDLEA officers at the Lagos airport on Wednesday 3rd April intercepted a drug smuggler, Imran Taofeek Olalekan at Gate C departure of terminal 1 travelling to Oman with a check-in luggage and a backpack.

When his check-in bag and backpack were subjected to thorough search, the operatives discovered a false bottom concealment of drugs in the check-in luggage and in the walls of the backpack.

The NDLEA officers swiftly moved in on a man who accompanied the suspect to the airport and was later identified as Ishola Isiaka Olalekan who recruited the trafficker.

Imran Taofeek Olalekan said he returned from Dubai some years ago but still has a valid residence permit on his old passport. He claimed he was promised N1,500,000 if he successfully delivers the consignment in Oman, while his recruiter, Ishola was to be paid N200,000.

Curiously, when the two bags were completely unpacked at the NDLEA office, a charm was found in one of the bags while another one was found on the drug trafficker, who confessed that he traveled to Ibadan, Oyo state to meet with an ‘Alfa’ that prepared the charm for him to ensure he was not caught during the trip.

Another charm was also found on the intermediary, Ishola Isiaka Olalekan who accompanied Taofeek to the departure area of the airport. Ishola claimed he procured the charms for the sum of N70,000.

Alps, at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives also on Wednesday 3rd April, intercepted 2,144 parcels of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing of 1,072kg. The seizure was made during a joint examination with Customs Service and other stakeholders of a container marked GAOU 6699215 coming from Montreal, but originated from Toronto, Canada.

The drugs packed in 46 jumbo bags were found concealed in used 2009 Lexus RX 350, 2011 Toyota Sienna, and 2009 Lexus ES 350 as well as used engines, automobile doors, tyres, and used household goods as well as big drums loaded into the container.

In Kano, a 48-year-old suspect, Gidado Sani who jumped the bail granted him by a Federal High Court in Kano on drug offence charges, was on Friday 5th April re-arrested in Sharada area of the state with 85 blocks of cannabis weighing 50.1kg, while NDLEA operatives in Ogun state on Thursday 4th April, arrested another suspect Wasiu Jimoh, during a raid operation at Ilese Awo, with 84 parcels (62kg) of cannabis sativa.

Operatives in Lagos on Wednesday 3rd April intercepted a suspect, Emeka Umeh with 506.2kg cannabis at Igbede, Ojo area of the state, while another suspect, Victor Okeke was nabbed on Friday 5th April at Igbo Elerin, Ojo, with 142grams of cannabis sativa and 175 litres of skuchies recovered from him. Attempt by 35-year-old Ifeanyi Udogwu to smuggle 1.5kg cocaine concealed in music speakers from Lagos through Aba, Abia state to his uncle, Ifeanyi Udogwu based in Cameroon was thwarted on Wednesday 3rd April when NDLEA officers working in collaboration with transport company, Young Shall Grow Motors, arrested him.

While commending the efforts of the MMIA, Tincan, Ogun, Kano and Lagos Commands of the Agency in the fight to end drug trafficking, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) urged them and their compatriots across the country to remain vigilant and intensify their offensive action against drug cartels and their WADA advocacy campaign in every community nationwide.

Crime

By Olaolu Fawole

A 20-year-old hair stylist, Josephine Odunu and a dispatch rider, Edesemi Ikporo, 30, have been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for selling and distributing illicit drug-laced chin-chin to students and at social parties in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

NDLEA officers on patrol around Opolo area of Yenagoa had on Sunday 10th March 2024 intercepted the motorcycle dispatch rider, Edesemi and recovered 200grams of chin-chin produced with cannabis sativa, which he was on a mission to deliver to a buyer.

According to a statement by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA on Sunday, a swift follow up operation led to the arrest of the hairdresser, Josephine, who distributed the drugged chin-chin from the salon where she works in Kpansia area of Yenagoa.

A search of the salon also led to the recovery of 3.00kilograms bringing the total weight of the illicit substance seized from the duo to 3.2kg.

Investigations revealed that they distributed the chin-chin often laced with cannabis and tramadol to students and at birthday parties, while Edesemi handled the delivery to buyers, Josephine was a major distributor to a wanted suspect who produces the drugged chin-chin.

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Adamawa state on Wednesday 13th March arrested two wanted suspects: Ajim Samuel (aka Boss), 30, and Davidson John Joshua (aka Dantala), 36, while on their way from Onitsha, Anambra state where they had gone to buy a consignment of tramadol containing 14, 428 pills of the opioid which they tucked in the body compartments of their car.

The statement said further that they were nabbed along Numan-Jalingo road. Also recovered from them were 21grams of cannabis and monetary exhibits totaling N19, 280.

In Osun state, a commercial bus driver, Ogunleye Adegoke, 49, was arrested along Gbongan-Ibadan road after NDLEA operatives discovered 2,000 capsules of tramadol, 60 tablets of rohypnol and 10 bottles of codeine syrup concealed in the spare tyre compartment of his vehicle.

Also, a total of 343,000 pills of opioids were seized by NDLEA officers from a suspect, Lawan Abubakar, 33, in Azare town, Katagum, Bauchi state on Friday 15th March, same day the Nigerian Army transferred a suspect, Muhammadu Rabi’u, 37, with 64,000 pills of tramadol recovered from him to the Bauchi state command of NDLEA.
At least, 24kg of cannabis was seized from the driver of a transport company, Ikechukwu Obialo, at Sagamu Interchange, Ogun state by NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 13th March, while in Kano, two suspects: Ali Amadu, 27, and Adamu Hassan, 33, were nabbed with a total of 125.3kg cannabis; 3,400 pills of tramadol; and 30 bottles of codeine syrup.

They were arrested on Monday 11th March at Gadar Tamburawa area, and Friday 15th March at Tsamiya Babba, Hotoro respectively.

While 118 kilograms of cannabis were recovered from a warehouse in Masaka area of Nasarawa state on Saturday 16th March, NDLEA operatives in Edo state on Thursday 14th March arrested a suspect, Kole Samuel, 50, with 75kg of same psychoactive substance at market area, Otuo, Owan East LGA. Same day, operatives raided the Oloma-Okpe forest in Akoko Edo LGA where they destroyed 3,944.2075 kilograms of cannabis on 1.577683 hectares of farmland.

While commending the officers and men of the Bayelsa, Adamawa, Osun, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Edo, Kano, and Ogun Commands of the Agency for their outstanding feats in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures thus creating a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

Crime

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have nabbed a 26-year-old lady, Obasanmi Esther Iyanu, who produces and distributes skuchies during a raid on her hideout in Osogbo, the Osun state capital.

At least, 16.5 litres of the illicit substance and different quantities of molly and cannabis were recovered from her during the raid.

This is just as NDLEA operatives in Lagos state also on Wednesday 6th March arrested Aba Thomas at Igbo Elerin area of the state.

During a raid, 84 litres of skuchies, 1.1 litres of codeine syrup, 4kg cannabis sativa, and 800 tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from him.

Spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi who made this known, disclosed that operatives intercepted a consignment of illicit drug consignment concealed in the engine compartment of an inter-state commercial bus and arrested two grandfathers over drug trafficking.

He said, “No fewer than 5.2kg of cannabis sativa and opioids were discovered in the engine compartment of an inter-state commercial bus marked VDY 187 XA on Thursday 7th March 2024 along Gbongan – Ibadan road, Osun state by NDLEA officers on stop and search operation on the highway.

“The bus driver, Iorliam Sughnen Dominic, 35, who took responsibility for the concealment was taken into custody for further investigation.

“In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Borno state have arrested a 70-year-old grandfather, Mallam Mai Gemu Adam and 65-year-old Yamama Musa for drug trafficking.

“They were arrested on Saturday 9th March along with 24-year-old Abubakar Ya’u and Babagana Abubakar Ali, 28, in Maiduguri and Gamboru-Ngala respectively while 32,000 ampoules of tramadol injection were recovered from them.

He said, “No fewer than 5.2kg of cannabis sativa and opioids were discovered in the engine compartment of an inter-state commercial bus marked VDY 187 XA on Thursday 7th March 2024 along Gbongan – Ibadan road, Osun state by NDLEA officers on stop and search operation on the highway.

“The bus driver, Iorliam Sughnen Dominic, 35, who took responsibility for the concealment was taken into custody for further investigation.

“In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Borno state have arrested a 70-year-old grandfather, Mallam Mai Gemu Adam and 65-year-old Yamama Musa for drug trafficking.

“They were arrested on Saturday 9th March along with 24-year-old Abubakar Ya’u and Babagana Abubakar Ali, 28, in Maiduguri and Gamboru-Ngala respectively while 32,000 ampoules of tramadol injection were recovered from them.

“Same day, operatives at Geidam in Yobe state intercepted a Golf 3 salon car heading to Gagamari in Niger republic, where the occupant, Alhaji Mala Tijjani, 28, was to deliver 40 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.5kg to another dealer.

“Another 42 cartons containing 8,400 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 1,260 kilograms were recovered from a driver, Mutari Ya’u, 29, at Katsina road, Kaduna on Tuesday 5th March.

“In Kano state, Nura Yusuf, 35, was arrested with 62kg cannabis at Gadar Tamburawa area, where Abubakar Sani, 40, was also nabbed with 244 bottles of codeine syrup, while Mohammad Alkali, 28, was found with 49, 800 pills of tramadol along Kano-Maiduguri road, on Thursday 7th March.

“No fewer than eight suspects were arrested on Friday 8th March when NDLEA officers raided the notorious Karu abattoir drug joint in the FCT, Abuja with 51.3kg cannabis recovered from them.

“Those arrested include Buhari Muhammadu; Jamilu Muhammed; Abubakar Wappa; Yahaya Tasiu; Ezekiel Mulanda; Abba Haruna; Habibu Umar and Shamsu Lawali.

“In Plateau state, two suspects: Pam Thomas, 45, and Stephen Nyam,38, were on Monday 4th March arrested with cannabis weighing 611.428kg at Zawan, Jos South,.

“In Kogi state, NDLEA officers intercepted a commercial J5 bus coming from Onitsha, Anambra state to Zaria, Kaduna state on Wednesday 6th March along Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway where a total of 8,580 pills of tramadol and exol-5 were seized from a suspect, Yusuf Abdullahi, 40.

“In Enugu, operatives on Tuesday 5th March raided some locked-up shops at the new market in Enugu metropolitan area where 371.42kg cannabis and 9.49 grams of methamphetamine were recovered.

“The NDLEA Commands across the country in the same vein balanced their drug supply reduction operations with War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaigns to schools, markets, worship centres and communities.

“Some of these include: WADA sensitisation lecture for 1,320 students of Government Secondary School, Madakiya, Kafanchan LGA, Kaduna; students and teachers of Kingdom Heritage School, Badagry, Lagos; students of Comprehensive Secondary School, Bichi, Kano.

Others were WADA advocacy visit to Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs) Olayemi Oyebanji and her Abia State counterpart, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, among several others.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the efforts of the Borno, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, Osun, Lagos, Plateau, Enugu, Yobe and FCT Commands of the Agency for jobs well done in the past week.

He charged them and their compatriots in other formations nationwide not to rest on their oars as they continued to intensify their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

By Olaolu Fawole

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted a 40-year-old businessman, Ejike Chibuke Solomon with 1.45 kilograms of cocaine concealed in his luggage while attempting to board an Ethiopia Airlines flight number 950 to Vietnam via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja.

Ejike was arrested at the Abuja airport on Saturday, 2nd March 2024 after NDLEA officers subjected him to a thorough search.

According to a statement by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, said that in the process, the illicit substance was discovered concealed and factory fitted in his bag.

In his statement, the suspect claimed he was on a business trip to Vietnam.

Meanwhile, operatives of a special unit of the Agency on Friday, 1st March swooped on members of a syndicate that deals in methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin in their hideouts in parts of Lagos.

The operatives assigned for the operation raided the home of Esimone Amachukwu Christopher at 14 Arochukwu street, Ejigbo, where 10.012 kilograms of methamphetamine was found in possession of his associate, 40-year-old Evelyn Nneka Okem. Esimone is currently at large.

While the Ejigbo operation was going on, another set of officers were simultaneously busy in the residence of another member of the syndicate, 45-year-old Ebele Edwin Iwuegbunam, located at Plot 1604 Close D, 4th Avenue, Festac town, Lagos where they arrested him and recovered 429.5grams of cocaine and 7 kilograms of heroin.

In Kogi state, NDLEA officers on a stop and search operation along Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway on Friday 1st March intercepted a commercial bus marked GRM 347XA (Borno) conveying 28 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 11kg; 100 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup and 500 tablets of diazepam, all concealed in three plastic drums covered with cattle fats, heading to Jos Plateau state.

While operatives in Ogun state on Thursday 29th February recovered 169kg consignment of cannabis abandoned in a truck at Sagamu tollgate, their counterparts in Lagos seized 25 cartons of tramadol containing 325,000 pills in Ikeja the previous day Wednesday 28th Feb. Same day, a suspect, Abdullahi Garba Khalil, 42, and 2,745,000 capsules of pregabalin recovered from him at Singer market, Sabon Gari area of Kano were handed over to the Kano state command of NDLEA by the Department of State Security, DSS.

In the same vein, the 243 Recce Battalion, Nigerian Army, Badagry on Saturday 2nd March transferred 27 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 1,110kg recovered at a coastal community, Ajido by soldiers, to the Seme Special Area Command of NDLEA. A suspect, Hassan Muhammad, 34, was on Saturday 2nd March arrested with 44,950 pills of tramadol at Moranti area of Borno state by NDLEA operatives.

In Abia state, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 28th Feb raided a drug joint at Cemetery Barracks, Aba, where Ifeanyi Uche, 37, was arrested with different quantities of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.

Another raid was carried out at the abandoned Eyimba Hotel, Ogbor Hill, Aba, where illicit substances were seized and suspects arrested on Friday 1st March.

While commending the officers and men of the NAIA, Abia, Ogun, Kogi, Lagos, Seme, Borno and Kano Commands of the Agency as well as those of the Special Unit for their outstanding feats in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded them and their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures.

Crime

By Olaolu Fawole

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted a large consignment of Loud, a synthetic strong strain of cannabis, concealed in giant loudspeakers tucked in a consolidated cargo imported from New York, United States of America.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy of NDLEA in a statement on Sunday, said when the giant wooden boxes dressed as sound speakers seized by NDLEA officers at the NAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport, were opened, the sound boxes were stuffed with sixty (60) bags of the expensive but highly sought-after psychoactive substance, Loud, weighing 33.5 kilograms.

At least, three suspects: a freight agent Akeem Afeez; logistics company manager Babalola Ayodeji Gboyega and the receiver of the consignment Taiwo Olusegun Anuoluwapo have been arrested in follow-up operations between Thursday 15th and Friday 16th February 2024. While Afeez was arrested at the airport, Gboyega was nabbed at his office on Allen Avenue Ikeja and Taiwo traced to his residence at 13 Ayo Babatunde Crescent, Lekki Phase1, Lagos, where he was picked on Friday.

The statement said further that in Abia State, a joint raid operation between the NDLEA and men of the State Homeland Security at 23 Arochukwu street, Umuahia around 11pm on Wednesday 14th February led to the arrest of a female lawyer, Adaobi Nweke, 36; her boyfriend, Emeka Nkemefola, 36; her mother, Mrs. Ngozi Nweke, 65; Dike Okpara, 43, who is herbalist to the family; Chukwudi Abel, 33, member of the family; Amarachi Paul, 18, another member of the family and their 22-year-old salesgirl, Blessing Jonathan.

Investigations revealed that members of the family had long been in the illicit drug business passed on to them by their now late father, Jonathan Nweke.

Recovered from them as at the time of their arrest were various quantities of Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Loud, Cannabis Sativa and precursor chemical with a total weight of 1.670kg as well as N578,400 monetary exhibit.

Also, attempt by a 25-year-old Uber driver, Joshua Henry to deliver a consignment of 26.2grams of Loud picked in Abuja to a customer in Keffi, Nasarawa State on Monday, 12th February, 2024 was thwarted by NDLEA operatives who intercepted him.

In the same vein, 54-year-old Dada Adedara was on Wednesday 14th Feb arrested at Dan Bare area of Kano State with 468 blocks of cannabis weighing 246.4kg. Same day, operatives in Ogun state arrested the duo of Kafayat Junaid and Sakirat Osoanu with 13kg cannabis sativa.

In Kogi state, a suspect, Charles Chike, 45, was arrested by NDLEA operatives in a hotel in Lokoja on Friday 16th Feb. with 290 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 116kg. The exhibit was concealed in the boot of a blue Honda Accord car marked Abuja ABC 853 SL, which took off from Ekiti state enroute Abuja. Not less than 227kg of same substance was recovered from Atoshi camp, Emure -Ile, Owo LGA, Ondo State, while two suspects: John Jonathan and Emmanuel Alex were arrested.

Operatives in Edo state acting on intelligence on Wednesday 14th Feb. intercepted a consignment of methamphetamine coming from Onitsha, Anambra state to Lagos, in a Toyota Sienna bus marked Anambra NZM 347 ZL. The meth consignment weighing 0.966kg was concealed inside a cassava made local food item, African salad popularly called “Abacha”.

The driver of the vehicle, Afamefuna Ibeawuchi Kingsley, 42, was arrested in connection with the seizure. On the same day, a team of NDLEA officers also intercepted a Peugeot 406 space wagon car driven by Akhere Fardam, 47, along Uromi road in Esan Northeast LGA. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 865 bottles of codeine; 2,600 pills of tramadol and 600 tabs of swinol and rohypnol.

In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, NDLEA operatives conducted raid operations in Kubwa area of the FCT during which they arrested Tawa Wasiu, 47, and Iliya Ibrahim, 18, with 10.5kg cannabis, 13.5 grams of diazepam and 2.9 grams of tramadol tablets. Another suspect, Yaro Bala, 27, was arrested on Thursday 15th Feb. with 50.5kg cannabis during a stop and search operation along Abaji/Abuja highway on his way from Auchi Edo state to Paiko, Niger State.

With the same vigour, 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 St. Theresa’s College Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo state; students and staff of Banma Girls Day Secondary School, Bida, Niger state; students of Dame High School, Abatete, Anambra state; students of Government Day Secondary School, Tudun Saibu, Soba LGA, Kaduna state; students of Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Obinagu, Udi LGA, Enugu state and students of Government Girls Secondary School, Garo, Kano state.

While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Abia, Nasarawa, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Ogun, Ondo and FCT Commands of the Agency for their outstanding feats in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures thus creating a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

Health

By Yosi Ardel (Abuja)

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged state governments to prioritize the fight against substance abuse in their strategic work plans for a safe and secure society.

Mrs Tinubu stated this at the opening ceremony of a two-day drug prevention, treatment, and care training organized by the NDLEA for the spouses of state governors in Abuja.

Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Inspector General of Police, Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun commended the NDLEA and the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum for their initiative, calling on state governments to collectively combat the menace of drug abuse.

On his part, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, described the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum as a valuable platform to extend the drug war to the grassroots.

Retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, the NDLEA Chairman, emphasized the need for collective efforts to tackle the menace of drug abuse due to the negative effects on public health, the environment, and the prevailing insecurity across the country.

He urged the governors’ wives to leverage their positions to mobilize support for drug prevention and treatment in their respective states.

Prof Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Didi Walson-Jack, reiterated the Ministry of Education and NDLEA collaboration to combat substance abuse among students.

The Chairman of the Governor’s Spouses Forum and wife of the Governor of Kwara State, Olufokake Abdulrazaq, assured collaboration with relevant stakeholders to spearhead the fight against harmful substances, especially among the youth.

Dr Oliver Stolpe, Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime; Letizia Torretta, Representative of the European Union; and Dr Gambo Aliyu, Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), all emphasized the need for collective and collaborative efforts to curb the menace of drug abuse.

Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Crime

The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency said it has arrested a 42-year old man, Ahmad Mohammed, responsible for supplying drugs to insurgents in Borno State.

In a statement on Sunday by agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspect is part 24 suspected traffickers and dealers recently arrested by its operatives.

The statement revealed Mohammed was supplying illicit drugs to insurgents in Banki, a border region between Nigeria and Cameroon.

He was was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Friday 9th February at check point in Borno State.

“When his luggage was searched 20,000 capsules of tramadol were recovered from him while on his way to deliver the opioid consignment in the border town,” the statement revealed.

In another development, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Sunday 4th February intercepted a truck marked Lagos JJJ 64 YC conveying 367 jumbo bags of cannabis sativa weighing 4,037 kilograms from Akure, Ondo state to be delivered at Shabu area of Lafia, the state capital. Three suspects: Shuaibu Yahaya Liman, 35; Monday Audu, 33, and Linus Samuel, 42 have been arrested in connection with the seizure.

The statement further added, “The following day Monday 5th February, operatives in Abuja, FCT arrested the duo of Jibrin Shuaibu, 23, and Prosper Innih, 17, with 169 bags and 80 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 1,961.5kgs concealed in a truck with registration number Ogun WDE 557 XC. The truck was intercepted during a stop and search operation along Abaji – Abuja highway on their way from Uzeba to Dei-Dei, FCT.”

The statement continued, “In another operation by NDLEA operatives in Abuja on Tuesday 6th February, a suspect, Abdulhameed Dauda, 27, was arrested with 89kgs of the same psychoactive substance loaded into his truck in Owo, Ondo state to be delivered at Gwagwalada in FCT. On the same day, operatives also intercepted another driver, Hassan Ade, 30, transporting 696.5kgs of the same substance loaded in Idoani, Ondo state to be delivered at Gwagwalada and Dei-Dei in FCT. A follow up operation led to the arrest of a mother of three children, Mrs. Joy Chukwuka, 42, linked with the consignment.”

The agency also revealed that in Ondo state, apart from the seizure of 633.5kgs of cannabis at Eleyere, Ogbese in Akure North LGA, its operatives also recovered 59 jumbo bags of same substance loaded in a truck marked GAD 287 XA heading to Northern part of the country.

“Detergents were sprayed on the cannabis bags ostensibly to suppress the odour of the psychoactive weed, while 192 packs of table water were loaded on top to conceal the illicit consignment,” it said.

Other arrests happened in Edo State where not less than 187kgs of same Cannabis were seized by operatives at Sapele road of the state while in Kano, the agency’s officers, “on Monday 5th February arrested 58-year-old Bashir Attahir in Bachirawa area of the state with 216,000 pills of tramadol 250mg. Another suspect, Ejike Moses Nmenme, 47, was nabbed the following day Tuesday 6th Feb with 25,190 capsules of tramadol and different quantities of rohypnol and codeine syrup along Emir road, Sabon Gari area of the city while the duo of Yusuf Abdullahi Musa, 35, and Yusuf Musa, 28, were nabbed at Gadar Tamburawa, with 1,000 ampoules of tramadol injection on
Thursday 8th February.”

In Anambra, a six-month pregnant woman, Amarachi Akaolisa, 25, and another lady, Ifeoma Iheanyi, 21, were among six suspects arrested for dealing in illicit substances in Oraifite and Umuni-Evili, Aguleri, Anambra state. Others nabbed include: Okwuchukwu Chukwuka; Onyedika Ngwu; Ekene Hyginus and Nzomiwu Ikechukwu.

Recovered from them were over 6 kilograms of cannabis, tramadol, diazepam and codeine syrup in raids conducted NDLEA operatives between Tuesday 6th and Thursday 8th Feb in parts of the state.

In Lagos, two ladies: Boluwatife Adebayo and Omolade Fola Adebayo were among suspects arrested during raids in parts of the state on Saturday 10th February.

Also arrested were Ogah Sunday Adole and Boluwatife Adebayo who were picked at Agidingbi, Ikeja, in connection with 220grams of cannabis, 10.6 litres of codeine syrup, and other psychotropic substances.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

Crime

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, have intercepted large consignments of Ghanaian Loud smuggled into Lagos in two trucks and a J5 bus with a total weight of 14, 524.8 kilogrammes.

The NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, the three vehicles conveying jumbo bags of the psychoactive substance were trailed and intercepted at the Ojuelegba area of Lagos in the early hours of Sunday, January 28.

It read, “In the process of blocking the vehicles, two of the drivers jumped off on motion while the third driver, 66-year-old Nasiru Ojomu, who works with wanted Akala, Mushin-based drug baron, Suleiman Jimoh (alias Olowo Idi Ogede, also known as Temo) was arrested.

In the last three years, NDLEA operatives have seized several shipments of the same psychoactive substance worth billions of naira linked to Temo. The wanted drug lord has since gone into hiding while the Agency continues a manhunt for him.”

Among other arrests made in different states across the country, the statement added that a male deaf and dumb suspect dealing in illicit substances was arrested in the Samaru area of Zaria, Kaduna state.

It read, “At the time of his arrest, 150 grams of cannabis were recovered from him while selling the psychoactive substance. Another suspect, Ibrahim Sani, 56, was also arrested in possession of 51 kilogrammes of the same substance in the Tirkaniya area of the state.

In Kogi state, operatives on Wednesday 31st January destroyed 833.32 kilograms of cannabis sativa on a two-acre of farmland at Iluke community, Kabba- Bunu LGA while the owner, Samuel Atonila, 49, was equally arrested.

On the same day, operatives in Nasarawa also arrested three suspects: Muhammed Musa, Bilyaminu Musa and Sadiya Ya’u with the same psychoactive substance weighing 24.4kg at Uke, Karu local government area of the state, while no less than 258 kilograms of same substance were recovered from a bush store around Ikare bypass, Owo, Ondo state.”

It was reported in December 2023 that the NDLEA arrested a 70-year-old grandma and her son a day after they intercepted millions of tramadol 225mg pills, thousands of codeine syrup bottles and bags of Canadian Loud in consignments arriving in the country ahead of the Christmas celebration.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

Crime

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Brazil returnee, Udechukwu Ekene Theophilus at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos for ingesting 60 big wraps of cocaine.

The suspect who was arrested during inward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the D-Arrival Hall of the Lagos airport on Sunday 21st January 2024, initially refused to undergo a body scan, raising health concerns in a desperate bid to evade arrest.

When he was however offered other options, he accepted to be placed on excretion observation and shortly after he was ushered into the NDLEA observatory, he excreted the first set of cocaine pellets, after which he expelled a total of 60 wraps of the class ‘A’ drug weighing 1.279 kilograms in five excretions.

In his statement, Udechukwu claimed he ingested the consignment in Brazil and was to discharge everything at the airport in Addis Ababa but could only excrete 15 pellets which he handed over to another member of his syndicate before his connecting flight to Nigeria.

Similarly, NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport on Tuesday 23rd January recovered a total of twelve (12) cartons of tramadol 225mg containing five hundred and ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred (599,900) pills weighing 385.40kg from an overstayed cargo at the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport after a joint examination with other agencies.

The tramadol consignment had come into the country in two batches on KLM Royal Dutch Airline flights from Karachi, Pakistan between 27th July and 1st August 2023. They were however placed under watch by NDLEA operatives since then.

Meanwhile, not less than 822 kilograms of cannabis sativa hidden in a fuel station located at Ashipa community along Badagry-Seme road were recovered by operatives of the Seme Special Area Command of NDLEA, while a suspect Sani Audu, 35, was arrested with 111.3kg of same substance at Maigatari town in Jigawa State on Tuesday 23rd January.

In Yobe state, two suspects: Mohammed Usman and Adamu Ma’azu were arrested on Saturday 27th January with 49 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 50kg at Damaturu motor park, Damaturu, while the duo of Paul Obor, 38, and Dennis Fuokorighe, 48, who were arrested on Wednesday 24th January at a Navy check point, Itobe, Ofu LGA, Kogi state with 318 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 190.8kg concealed in a gold colour Honda Accord Car marked RBC 449AE.

They were handed over to the Kogi state command of the Agency on Friday 26th Jan. by men of the Nigeria Navy Ship, Lugard, Lokoja.

In a similar vein, a suspect, Shamwilu Idris, 29, was arrested at Gadar Tamburawa area of Kano State on Thursday 25th January with 271kg cannabis following the seizure of an abandoned 28.1kg of same substance at Rijiyar Lemo area of the state on Wednesday 24th Jan.

Another suspect, Abubakar Haruna Salisu, 24, was nabbed at Kotun Wambai, Yan Awaki, area of Kano on Friday 26th January with 600 bottles of codeine-based syrup while a total of 1, 306 blocks of cannabis weighing 886kg seized by the Police at Kwanar Dangora, area of the state were transferred to the Agency on Wednesday 24th Jan.

ChannelsTV / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Crime

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

The Nigerian Army,35 Artillery Brigade has handed over 365 pieces of pawpaw-size wrapped cannabis sativa weighing about 176 kg to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Ogun State Command.

The Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier-General Mohammed Aminu, who was represented by the Garrison Commander, Colonel Legborsi Nule at the handing over of the exhibits, said the suspect was arrested by troops on routine patrol on January 6 2024 at Olodo, Imeko along Imeko – Abeokuta road in the State.

The Army boss explained that the brigade would continue to sustain all efforts in collaborating with other security agencies to rid the State of crimes. 

He further reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to ensuring troops maintain high standards and professionalism in discharging their duties.

The NDLEA Commandant in Ogun, Jane Odili commended the effort of the Brigade and solicited more collaboration with the military and other security agencies in the State.

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Crime

By Olaolu Fawole

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos on New Year day, Monday 1st January 2024 intercepted a consignment of Colorado, a very strong strain of cannabis, concealed in boxing kits imported from the United States of America.

A weeklong intelligence-led operation to get the receiver arrested was consummated on Saturday 6th January following the successful tracking and arrest of 38-year-old Olorunfunmi Saheed Olakunle who distributes the dangerous psychoactive substance to dealers across Lagos state.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy of NDLEA in Abuja on Sunday 7th January 2024, said the consignment had arrived the country on Monday, 1st January via Cairo on Egypt Airlines flight marked as boxing kits.

According to Saheed, he delivered such consignments to different recipients whenever his childhood friend, US-based Sagir Salami sent them.

The statement said further that the latest shipment has a total weight of 1.80 kilograms.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old female supplier of ammunition to bandits, Bilkisu Suleman came top on the list of twelve (12) other suspects arrested by NDLEA operatives in new year interdiction operations in Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, Kogi, Kano, Borno, and Osun states.

Bilkisu was arrested on Wednesday 3rd January by NDLEA officers on patrol along Zaria Kano expressway in possession of 249 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition concealed in a black nylon bag kept in her ladys handbag.

She was on her way to deliver the ammunition to an identified bandit in Kakumi village, Katsina state when she was nabbed after which she was transferred to the Kaduna state command of the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.

The military authorities at the Bonny camp cantonment in Lagos on Tuesday 2nd January transferred a suspect, Francis Suru, 37 and 63 jumbo bags of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 2,104.2 kilograms and a truck to the Lagos state command of NDLEA.

The suspect and the drug exhibits were earlier intercepted by NDLEA officers on 12th December 2023 close to the gate of the military cantonment in Bonny Camp, Victoria Island.

Some armed escorts however resorted to sporadic shooting to obstruct the operation, a development which attracted soldiers from the cantonment, who eventually intervened and took custody of the consignment and suspect before transferring them to the Agency.

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Niger state on Thursday 5th January during a stop and search operation along Suleja-Kaduna road intercepted a J5 bus coming from Ondo state to Zaria, Kaduna state with twenty-three (23) bags of cannabis sativa weighing 219.5kg. Two suspects: Umar Musa, 26 and Isachiru Abubakar were arrested in connection with the seizure.

While a female drug trafficker, Queen Onyema, 27, was arrested on Saturday 6th January in a commercial bus enroute Abuja along Okene-Lokoja expressway with 12 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 4.6kg and 0.046kg designer drugs concealed in an indomie carton, another suspect Mubarak Sani, 20, was nabbed at Gadar Tamburawa area of Kano on Monday 1st January with 445.9k kilograms of the same psychoactive substance.

In Borno, four suspects: Zanna Alhaji Dala, 32; Musa Umar, 21; Mushe Ibrahim, 23, and Shehu Idris, 19 were arrested at Pomfomari bye pass area of the state with 60kg cannabis.

Also, in Osun, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Osogbo-Ode Omu road on new year day, Monday 1st January intercepted a consignment of illicit drugs sent through waybill from Lagos to Osogbo. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of Ibrahim Olawale, 43.

The drugs recovered include: cannabis sativa 10.8kg; Loud 150grams; Colorado 19grams; Molly 5grams totalling 10.974kg. A digital scale, N18,000 monetary exhibit and customized wrapping papers for Colorado were also seized.

Commending the arrests and seizures of the past week by officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, Niger, Kogi, Kano, Borno, and Osun Commands, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) charged them and their compatriots across all formations of the Agency to continue to remain vigilant and double their drug demand reduction as well as drug supply reduction efforts in the new year.

Crime

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, on Thursday, raised the alarm that youths in Borno State are drinking fermented human urine, preserved over 10 days, as an alternative to hard drugs.

The Commander of Narcotics of the NDLEA in Borno State, Iliyasu Mani, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri.

He said abuse of psychoactive substances was prevalent among the youths, noting that they also take other unusual substances such as lizard dung, camel urine, Lipton soaked in gin, and Mentholated spirit mixed with soft drinks.

He said they also inhale toilet fumes and gutter dirt in their quest to get intoxicated.

Mani said, “Let me state categorically here that these new psychoactive substances that are commonly abused today include Cannabis Sativa, skunk, Cough syrup with codeine; Ice, Tramadol, Rohypnol, Diazepam, Pentazocine, rubber solution, glue, gutter dirt, toilet fumes, lizard dung.

“Others include Lipton soaked in gin, camel urine, Mentholated spirit in soft drinks; 10-day-old human Urine, and so on.”

Mani said the NDLEA command, under his watch, had fought a hard battle against drug abuse but “unfortunately, the issue of substance abuse is even getting challenging, especially with the involvement of young teens in the abuse of new psychoactive substances, especially women.”

“Despite all these, we must not lose our hope as the agency has strengthened its efforts towards prevention strategy through the establishment of remodelled counselling/rehab centre within the premises of Borno State Command,” the NDLEA commander said.

Mani said his command had also established drop-in centres across all tertiary institutions to serve as drug abuse research centres for the benefit of all.

He said the command, under his watch, had seized  4.5 tonnes of illicit substances and arrested 863 suspects.

Of those arrested, he said 53 had been convicted while 736 were undergoing counselling.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime household survey conducted in 2018 but reviewed in 2021 and 2022 placed the level of substance abuse in Nigeria at 14.3 per cent, which was three times higher than the 5.6 per cent global average.

The survey further showed that the prevalence of illicit drugs in the North-East was put at 13.6 per cent and North-West, 12 per cent, while North-Central is said to be at 10 per cent.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa is currently meeting with the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Major General Buba Marwa (retd.), at the NDLEA National Headquarters, Garki, Area 11, Abuja.

Musa has also assured the NDLEA of his commitment to help expose drug traffickers and abusers.

The PUNCH reports that this is the first time that the CDS and the NDLEA Chairman will be meeting in official capacities.

At the ongoing meeting, the CDS condemned the spate of drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria, while commending Marwa for the NDLEA’s efforts at ridding Nigeria of the drug scourge.

He also promised the continued support of the Nigerian Armed Forces for the NDLEA, while noting that the military would not shield anyone caught with illicit drugs.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

By Olaolu Fawole

Operatives of the National Drug Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have recovered Fourteen Million, Four Hundred and Eighty One Thousand, Five Hundred and Nineteen (14, 481, 519) pills of Tramadol and bottles of codeine syrup worth over Thirteen Billion Naira (N13,000,000,000) in street value in three major busts of drug cartels operating in Amuwo Odofin, Idumota and the SAHCO shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy of NDLEA in a statement on Sunday 5th November 2023, said that the three intelligence-led operations began with the raid of a building in Amuwo Odofin on Sunday 29th October, where 490,000 pills of tramadol and 81,519 bottles of codeine syrup measuring 4, 510, 000mls were recovered.

In a similar operation on Tuesday 31st October, NDLEA operatives swooped on a secret warehouse operated by a billionaire Idumota trader, Nwaoha Anayo located at Onitire, Aguda area of Surulere where Twelve Million Seven Hundred Thousand (12, 700, 000) pills of tramadol were recovered.

The statement said further that at least six members of a syndicate using their official cover to facilitate the smuggling of illicit drugs through the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) warehouse at the Lagos airport into the country have been arrested and One Million Two Hundred and Ten Thousand (1, 210, 000) pills of tramadol seized from them in a painstaking operation that lasted for weeks.

The six suspects already in NDLEA custody include: Oladele Sanya-Olu; Lawal Itunu Temitope; Sanamo Alla Daniel; Udeh Felix Monday; Musa Mutalib and Unege Evans Icibor, while three other suspects: Sarki Mubarak Salami; Abdullahi Aliyu (aka Aboki); and Monday Anwal, are now on the run and wanted by NDLEA.

At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, NDLEA operatives on Sunday 29th October intercepted yet another businessman, 50-year-old Nwokolo Ifeanyi Anthony during the outward clearance of Air France flight AF 878 to Amsterdam, Netherlands via Paris, France at the boarding gate and was body scanned. The result turned out to be positive for illicit drug ingestion.

The suspect who travelled from Lagos to board the flight was subsequently kept under observation for some days during which he excreted a total of 86 pellets of heroin weighing 1.330kilograms.

Similarly, NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, attached to courier firms on Monday 30th October intercepted 22 parcels of cocaine concealed in the walls of a carton containing sewn local fabrics popularly called Aso Oke, heading to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives have arrested three blind men operating an illicit drug ring between Lagos and Kano, while another blind member of the syndicate is still at large. The lid was blown off the group following the arrest of a blind suspect, Adamu Hassan, 40, along Gwagwalada expressway Abuja with 12kgs of skunk on his way from Lagos to Kano on Saturday 28th October.

Investigations however established that he was totally oblivious of the content of the bag handed to him to deliver in Kano.

Follow up operations then led to the arrest of the arrowhead of the syndicate, Bello Abubakar, 45, who is also blind. In his statement, Bello who is married with five children said he has been living in Lagos for 30 years but started the illicit drug business five years ago.

Another suspect, Muktar Abubakar, 59, who is equally blind has been living in Lagos for 40 years and married to three wives with 14 children. Both Muktar Abubakar and Bello Abubakar are joint owners of the business, while the third suspect, Akilu Amadu, 25, also blind equally contributes money to the criminal trade and was indeed the one who delivered the consignment to Adamu at the motor park in Lagos to deliver in Kano. Another blind suspect who is the expected receiver of the consignment in Kano, Mallam Aminu is currently at large.

While operatives in Osun on Saturday 4th November stormed the Obada sawmill forest in Owena-Ijesa, Oriade LGA where they arrested a suspect, Monday Sylvester, 37, on a 6.01 hectares of cannabis farm which was destroyed and 489.8kgs already processed plant recovered, their colleagues in Edo raided a trans-loading point inside Avbiosi forest, Owan West LGA where 603 kilograms of the illicit substance were seized.

Also, NDLEA officers in Ogun state on Friday 3rd November recovered a Toyota Sienna bus from a ditch, at Ajebo Area, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of 460kgs of the same substance, while a total of 116.5kgs of cannabis sativa belonging to a suspect at large were seized at Olagunju, Mushin area of Lagos.

While commending the officers and men of the NAIA, MMIA, Lagos, Osun, Edo and FCT Commands as well as those of DOGI for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) charged them and their compatriots across the country to remain focused as the Agency expands its operations against drug cartels.