NDLEA Cracks Down On Cross-Border Drug Trafficking Syndicates, Seizes Billions Of Naira Worth Of Drugs

Abuja, Nigeria – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks, arresting six cartel leaders and seizing a massive haul of cocaine, opioids, and cannabis worth billions of naira.

The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, revealed that two major syndicates operating across Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana were dismantled in coordinated operations across multiple states.

The first syndicate, composed of Nigerians based in Mubi, Adamawa state; Onitsha, Anambra State; and Lagos State, along with Cameroonian collaborators, was suspected of supplying drugs to terrorist groups operating in both countries.

Leaders of the syndicate apprehended include:

Ibrahim Bawuro and Najib Ibrahim: These individuals sourced psychoactive substances, including tramadol, from notorious drug dealer Udechukwu Anayo in Onitsha. The drugs were then concealed in vehicles at Ezeh Amaechi’s premises before being transported to Yola and other parts of northern Nigeria and Cameroon.

Udechukwu Anayo and Ezeh Amaechi: The duo were apprehended in Delta and Anambra states, respectively.

The second syndicate was led by Adejumo Ishola, 37, who was caught at the Seme border in Lagos attempting to smuggle 3.3 kilograms of cocaine and 600 grams of synthetic cannabis from Ghana.

This arrest followed months of intelligence gathering and surveillance on Ishola’s cross-border activities.

Major seizures across the country:

Apapa Seaport, Lagos: 31,750,000 pills of 240mg Voltron, a controlled opioid, concealed in a container imported from India.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos: 700 grams of “Loud”, a potent strain of cannabis, were intercepted along with software engineer Olu Marshal, who was attempting to collect the package.

Lagos Airport Export Shed: 32.5 kilograms of codeine syrup and 5.7 kilograms of cannabis concealed in tiger nuts cargo bound for London, UK.

Kwara State: 162,800 pills of opioids seized from four suspects in various locations.

Abuja: 755.5 kilograms of cannabis concealed in a truck loaded with empty noodle cartons.

Taraba State: 361 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 156.95 kilograms were intercepted from a commercial bus bound for Kano.

Plateau State: 113 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 141 kilograms were seized from two suspects.

Kano State: 3,000 pills of tramadol 225mg recovered from a Chadian suspect.

Kaduna State: 35 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 338.8 kilograms confiscated.

Edo State: 1,078 kilograms of cannabis were found in a forest, and 228 kilograms were seized in Sabo-Auchi.

Ondo State: 672 kilograms of cannabis confiscated from four suspects, 513 kilograms seized at Gbodo camp, and 4,908 kilograms recovered from a suspect at Alabi Yellow, Ijoka area.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the operatives involved in the successful operations and emphasised the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse through nationwide awareness campaigns.

These latest arrests and seizures demonstrate the NDLEA’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and protecting communities from the devastating effects of illicit substances.

The agency’s commitment to both interdiction and public education will remain crucial in the fight against the drug trade in Nigeria.