Crime

NDLEA Cracks Down on Drug Cartels, Seizes Billions in Narcotics

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 13th, 2024.

NDLEA Cracks Down on Drug Cartels, Seizes Billions in Narcotics

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in combating drug trafficking, arresting four alleged traffickers and seizing large quantities of cocaine bound for the US and UK.

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, reported on Sunday that in Lagos, the agency intercepted cocaine hidden in automobile parts and clothing. Notably, 2.32 kg of cocaine concealed in Ghanaian Kente fabric was seized at a courier firm on August 5, 2024, while 10.49 kg of the same drug buried in heavy-duty pivot shafts was recovered on August 7, 2024. These seizures total 12.81 kg of cocaine.

Additionally, NDLEA agents intercepted five other consignments containing various drugs, including 517 grams of cocaine, pentazocine, promethazine, cocodamol pills, and tramadol heading to the UK and Canada.

In a separate operation at a logistics company, NDLEA agents seized 21 parcels of Loud, a potent synthetic cannabis, totaling 10 kg. This shipment, originating from the US, was destined for Abuja.

On August 7, 2024, NDLEA operatives arrested Obiora Joseph Agudosi in Lagos, who was attempting to transport 9 kg of cocaine to Onitsha. Subsequent operations led to the arrests of members from two cocaine syndicates in Anambra State, including individuals caught with significant amounts of cocaine and sodium bicarbonate.

Further, at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives discovered 532 parcels of Loud, weighing 265.25 kg, and another 75 parcels of the same substance, weighing 37.5 kg, both arriving from Canada.

In Adamawa State, on August 8, operatives arrested Joseph Peter with 291.2 kg of cannabis sativa in his vehicle. In Kano, Adekunle Sunday Adebayo and Yahaya Mamuda were apprehended with 29.5 kg of cannabis on August 6, and in Lagos, 1,169 kg of cannabis was seized on August 4.

Finally, on August 9, NDLEA officers, with support from the Nigerian Army, destroyed 1,230 kg of cannabis on farmland in Kogi State, leading to the arrest of the farm’s owner, Danjuma Maji.