NDLEA Seizes N14.9bn Of Opioids, Cannabis In Major Busts Across Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recently made significant drug seizures and arrests across Nigeria, demonstrating its commitment to the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).

In a major blow to drug traffickers, NDLEA agents intercepted three containers at the Tincan port complex in Lagos, revealing a staggering haul of 25 million tapentadol pills, an opioid three times stronger than tramadol, and 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup.

The seizures, totalling N14,950,000,000 (approximately USD 19.7 million), were made following intelligence-led operations.

Aside from the port seizure, NDLEA agents have been active throughout the country, making the following arrests and seizures:

Lagos: An 80-year-old grandfather was apprehended after selling cannabis from his home for 25 years. In a separate incident, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Talba, a community leader in Badagry West LCDA, is still at large after his wife and son were apprehended with 226 kilogrammes of cannabis.

Kano: A drug mule was arrested at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) after attempting to smuggle 76 wraps of cocaine in his stomach.

Kogi: 700,000 exol-5 pills were intercepted on the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja motorway.

Niger: A suspect was apprehended with 49,000 tramadol tablets, 20,000 diazepam tablets, 100 tramadol injection ampoules, and 50 codeine cough syrup bottles.

Rivers: 451 cannabis blocks weighing 213 kilogrammes were seized in Port Harcourt.
Plateau: A wanted suspect was apprehended with 808 kilogrammes of cannabis hidden in bags of sugar and fertiliser.

Kwara: A suspect was apprehended with 28 kilogrammes of cannabis.

Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, praised the officers who participated in these successful operations, emphasising the importance of both drug supply and demand reduction efforts in combating the drug menace.

The recent seizures and arrests demonstrate the NDLEA’s proactive approach to combating drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.

The agency’s ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks and educate the public about the dangers of drug use are critical to protecting the nation’s youth and promoting a healthier society.