NDLEA Busts UK-Bound Drug Syndicate, Seizes Cannabis, Weapons, and More in Multiple Operations
Operatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled an attempt to export synthetic cannabis, known as Loud, concealed in a duvet through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. Two suspects, Adakole Sunday and Austin Balogun, were apprehended on January 21, 2025, as they tried to send the illicit cargo to the United Kingdom. Six parcels of the psychoactive substance, weighing 3.5 kilograms, were discovered inside the duvet.
Balogun, the primary suspect who hired Adakole for the operation, claimed he was paid N700,000 to handle the shipment. However, he said he spent most of the money on securing an apartment and handling export fees.
In a separate raid in Lagos’ Igbo Olumo area, NDLEA agents arrested two individuals, Joseph Oluwasegun Adewale and Biodun Adelakun, and recovered seven liters of skuchies — a new drug blend made from black currant, cannabis, and opioids. The operation also uncovered several firearms, including locally-made double-barrel rifles and pistols, as well as cartridges and an iron-headed axe.
Earlier, on January 19, 2025, a major seizure was carried out in Mushin’s Akala area, where NDLEA agents confiscated 47kg of skunk (a type of cannabis) and 25.46kg of Nitrous Oxide (commonly known as laughing gas).
In Ekiti, on January 23, 2025, a 26-year-old man named Adepoju Taiwo was arrested with 1.95kg of Canadian Loud in Ado-Ekiti. Meanwhile, in Kwara, Auwal Sani was detained on January 20, 2025, with 50,000 tramadol pills weighing 36.56kg.
Further north in Kano, NDLEA operatives arrested a Nigerien national, Abubakar Lami, and two accomplices, Abba Sani and Auwal Aliyu, seizing 13.1kg of skunk and 125 liters of a new psychoactive substance called ‘suck and die.’ A cannabis farm in Kano’s Gefen Kasa area was also destroyed, with a suspect, Sabo Ali Muhammad, arrested at the scene.
The NDLEA has continued its nationwide War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign with advocacy visits and sensitization activities across various sectors. Last week, WADA lectures were conducted at schools, religious centers, workplaces, and community meetings in locations such as Oyo, Kebbi, Niger, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, and Yobe.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the NDLEA Chairman/CEO, commended the agency’s officers for their vigilance and successful operations in Lagos, Kano, Kwara, and Ekiti. He also praised the ongoing WADA efforts, highlighting the agency’s commitment to raising awareness and reducing drug abuse across Nigeria.
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Sunday, 26th January 2025
