Crime

NDLEA Arrests Thailand Returnee for Attempting to Smuggle Heroin Worth ₦3.2 Billion

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 13th, 2024.

NDLEA Arrests Thailand Returnee for Attempting to Smuggle Heroin Worth ₦3.2 Billion

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended Oguejiofor Nnaemeka Simonpeter, a recent returnee from Thailand, for allegedly trafficking 13.30 kilograms of heroin valued at over ₦3.192 billion. The arrest occurred at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on October 7, 2024.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Oguejiofor was attempting to smuggle the drugs hidden within six backpacks, which were packed into two large suitcases. The 29-year-old, who graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra State, had traveled from Thailand on October 3, making a two-day stopover in Doha before arriving in Lagos.

Upon reaching Lagos on October 5, he contacted the airline to reroute his luggage to Nigeria to avoid security checks, but NDLEA operatives intercepted him as he tried to leave the airport. A thorough search of his suitcases revealed that each backpack contained a large parcel of heroin, neatly sewn inside, totaling 13.30 kg.

Oguejiofor claimed he was promised $7,000 for his efforts and was instructed to deliver two parcels in Lagos and four in Accra, Ghana.

In a separate operation, the NDLEA reported significant drug seizures at various ports. They intercepted 32.6 million tramadol pills worth over ₦12.6 billion and 1.5 million bottles of codeine syrup valued at ₦10.16 billion at Lekki Deep Seaport, Apapa Seaport, and Onne in Rivers State. The total estimated value of these drug seizures amounted to ₦22.7 billion.

These operations were conducted as part of a coordinated effort involving intelligence and collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, from October 7 to October 11, 2024.