The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has scored a major victory against crime, seizing a staggering N3.4 billion worth of illicit drugs and uncovering a stash of 942 explosives across Rivers, Lagos, and Kaduna states. This is a huge blow to criminal networks operating in Nigeria. Read on for the full details!
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll find in this article:
- Details on the massive drug and explosives seizures by the NDLEA.
- Information on the locations of the busts: Rivers, Lagos, and Kaduna.
- The street value of the seized drugs and explosives.
- Insight into the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and crime.
NDLEA Cracks Down: Billions in Drugs Seized!
In a series of coordinated operations, the NDLEA, in collaboration with other security agencies, has made significant strides in combating drug trafficking and the illegal possession of explosives. The busts highlight the agency’s commitment to keeping Nigerian streets safe.
Rivers State: A Massive Haul
In Rivers State, NDLEA operatives, working with the Nigeria Customs Service, inspected a suspicious container at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne. What they found was shocking: a staggering two million pills of tramadol (225mg) and 163,000 bottles of codeine syrup!
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, “Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted no fewer than three million five hundred thousand (3,500,000) pills of opioids and one hundred and sixty-three thousand (163,000) bottles of codeine syrup with combined street value of over three billion, four hundred and twenty-eight million naira (N3,428,000,000.00) in Port Harcourt, Rivers state and Lagos state.”
Lagos State: Opioid Bust
The NDLEA’s operations extended to Lagos, where operatives seized 1.5 million pills of a controlled opioid from a suspect, Olarenwaju Wahab, in the Alaba Rago area of Ojo. The investigation led them to a residence in Victoria Garden City, Lekki, belonging to Obinna Kenneth, who is currently on the run.
Kaduna State: Explosives Intercepted!
In Kaduna State, NDLEA officers on patrol along the Kaduna-Zaria expressway intercepted a commercial vehicle traveling from Nasarawa to Zamfara. A search revealed 942 explosives hidden in a sack, resulting in the arrest of Nura Sani Muhammad, a 30-year-old suspect.
Babafemi confirmed, “A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a total of Nine Hundred and Forty-Two (942) explosives concealed in a sack.” This discovery raises serious concerns about potential threats to public safety and security.
MMIA Ikeja: Cannabis Hidden in Food Tins
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, NDLEA operatives intercepted 42 parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, concealed within food tins aboard a British Airways flight from Canada. Three suspects, including the receiver, Monsurat Lawson, were apprehended.
The Bigger Picture: NDLEA’s War on Drugs and Crime
These recent seizures underscore the NDLEA’s relentless efforts to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activities across Nigeria. The agency’s success is vital for protecting communities and ensuring a safer future for all Nigerians.
The NDLEA has been actively collaborating with international agencies to combat drug trafficking. Nigeria’s strategic location makes it a transit point for drugs trafficked from South America and Asia to Europe and North America.
What’s Next?
The NDLEA’s work is far from over. As criminal networks become more sophisticated, the agency must continue to adapt and strengthen its strategies. Increased collaboration with international partners and investment in advanced technology will be crucial in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and crime.
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