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How NDLEA Seizes N1.1 Billion in Codeine Shipment at Rivers Port

Published by Tope Fakinlede on January 12th, 2025.

How NDLEA Seizes N1.1 Billion in Codeine Shipment at Rivers Port

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a shipment of 338,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup, valued at over N1.1 billion in street price.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the seizure in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.

The drugs were seized between Thursday and Friday at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex in Onne, Rivers. Babafemi explained that the shipment was contained in two containers that had been flagged by the agency following intelligence reports.

During a joint inspection involving NDLEA agents, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) personnel, and other security agencies, the illegal cargo was uncovered.

In another operation, Babafemi also reported the arrest of Bariu Aliyu, also known as Malo, the chief priest of the Igunuko shrine at Alpha Beach in Ajah, Lekki. Aliyu was apprehended on October 25 after a three-month-long manhunt. A total of 2,760kg of skunk was seized from him.

Although two of Aliyu’s associates were arrested last year at the shrine and subsequently convicted, he is considered the leader of the criminal network.

Additionally, in Kano, NDLEA officers arrested 23-year-old Habibu Ya’u during a raid in Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria Road on Thursday. Authorities recovered 45 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.2kg and 40,800 opioid tablets, including tramadol.

NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa praised the efforts of the agency’s officers in Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Kano for their successful operations. He acknowledged their balanced approach to tackling both drug supply and demand reduction.