NDLEA Thwarts International Drug Smuggling Operations, Makes Significant Arrests

 

Taofeek Yusuf

 In a recent breakthrough, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted a substantial consignment of Canadian Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, in the Onikan area of Lagos Island. The operation led to the arrest of a 42-year-old suspect, Taofeek Yusuf, who was transporting the contraband in an unregistered Grand Caravan vehicle for distribution.

This interception, carried out late in the night on Friday, January 12, 2024, was a result of credible intelligence. The agency's operatives acted swiftly, following another arrest the previous day at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Godwin ThankGod, a drug trafficking suspect bound for Milan, Italy, was apprehended with codeine-based syrup and rohypnol concealed in his luggage.

The vigilance of NDLEA officers at various checkpoints continues to yield results. In a separate operation at the SAHCO import shed on January 12th, 30,000 packs of tramadol, amounting to 300,000 pills, were seized. This consignment arrived from Karachi, Pakistan, via KLM Royal Dutch Airline.

Further operations revealed attempts to smuggle tramadol and cannabis sativa concealed in sports canvas shoes destined for Oman, as well as another consignment of tramadol and rohypnol hidden in spices intended for the United Kingdom. These were intercepted at two courier firms in Lagos by NDLEA operatives.

The fight against drug abuse extends beyond Lagos, with NDLEA operatives raiding a clandestine skuchies factory in Ibadan, Oyo state. The operation led to the seizure of cannabis sativa, tramadol, rophynol, and a significant quantity of the psychoactive substance known as skuchies.

In Ondo state, four suspects were arrested at a hotel with 524.5kg of cannabis, while in Edo state, a 67-year-old individual was apprehended with 454 blocks of cannabis weighing 311kg. Similar operations in Kogi, Katsina, and Gombe states resulted in more arrests and drug seizures.

The NDLEA's War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign remains active, engaging communities, schools, markets, and worship places across the country. Recent activities include sensitization lectures in various schools and visits to key figures such as the Emir of Hadejia in Jigawa state and the Chief Judge of Borno State.

Commending the dedication of officers and men across multiple commands, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, urged continued vigilance and a sustained effort to surpass previous records in both offensive actions and drug demand reduction initiatives.

Femi Babafemi

Director, Media & Advocacy

NDLEA Headquarters Abuja

Sunday, January 14, 2024