Felix Temitope, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted two containers loaded with codeine-based syrup worth over N2.2 billion at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos. The containers, which originated from Mundra Port in India, were seized during a joint examination with other port stakeholders on Friday, August 23, 2024.
The operation according to a statement by the agency's spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday August 25, led to the discovery of 1,596 cartons of codeine-based syrup containing 319,200 bottles of the opioid, with a street value estimated at N2,234,400,000.00. This marks one of the largest seizures of codeine syrup in recent times, highlighting the ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to curb the trafficking of illicit substances into Nigeria.
String of Arrests and Seizures Across Nigeria
The interception at the Lagos port is part of a broader series of operations by the NDLEA across the country, resulting in numerous arrests and seizures of various illicit drugs.
In Edo State, two women, Martha Owotorofa, 26, and Odion Uzordinma, 21, were arrested for selling illicit drugs online. Owotorofa was apprehended at Kada Plaza in Benin City with quantities of Canadian Loud, while Uzordinma was caught with drug-laced cookies and cake. A separate raid in Oghada village, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, led to the arrest of Saturday Edobor, 50, who was found with 288.8kg of cannabis.
In Lagos, a major drug bust in the Mushin area on August 21 led to the arrest of Godwill Davidson, who was found in possession of 3,834 bottles of codeine syrup, 5,200 pills of Co-Codamol, and 11,880 tablets of Rohypnol. On the same day, Yahaya Ibrahim, 23, was arrested along the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway in Kogi State with 42,000 pills of tramadol, en route from Asaba, Delta State to Potiskum, Yobe State.
In Oyo State, two suspects, Feranmi Bankole and Fredrick Tobiloba, both 25, were arrested at Pariz Lounge in the Adeoyo area of Ibadan on August 20. The duo was found with 267.5 liters of "skuchies," a concoction of black currant and assorted illicit drugs, as well as 18 grams of Canadian Loud.
Vietnam-Bound Drug Couriers Nabbed
The NDLEA's vigilance also extended to the nation's airports, where two Vietnam-bound businessmen were apprehended for ingesting cocaine. Ibeanusi Solomon Nosike, 36, was arrested on August 8 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, after arriving from Onitsha, Anambra State. Nosike, who had swallowed 68 wraps of cocaine, was placed under observation and excreted the drugs over a 12-day period.
Similarly, Paul Okwuy Mbadugha, 54, was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja on August 12 during the outward clearance for a Qatar Airways flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Mbadugha excreted 88 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.71 kilograms after four days under observation.
Cross-Border Female Drug Syndicate Busted
In another significant development, a five-member female drug syndicate was arrested at the Seme border while returning from Ghana. The syndicate, led by 42-year-old Olaribigbe Bashirat Feyisara, had been under NDLEA surveillance. Upon their arrest on August 21, 14 packs of "Loud," a potent strain of cannabis weighing 6.97kg, were recovered from the hidden parts of their bodies.
NDLEA’s Continued War Against Drug Abuse
As the NDLEA intensifies its crackdown on drug trafficking, its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative also made strides across the nation. The agency carried out sensitization activities in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities, aiming to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers involved in the recent operations and urged them to maintain their commitment to the agency's balanced approach to drug control.
The NDLEA's relentless efforts continue to disrupt the drug trade in Nigeria, ensuring that traffickers are brought to justice while fostering a safer and healthier society.
