Lekki Businessman Arrested For Importing Illicit Drugs From US, Says NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, a Lekki-based businessman and owner of Damillionz Takeout, for allegedly importing large amounts of illegal drugs from the United States of America into Nigeria.

According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the 43-year-old was arrested on Monday at Bay Lounge on Admiralty Way in Lekki while awaiting delivery of a consignment containing 60 parcels of “Loud,” a potent cannabis strain.

The arrest came after the NDLEA’s Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) seized seven large cartons containing the suspect’s cargo from a Lagos logistics company on March 12th.

Following his arrest, officers searched Ebenezer’s Lekki home and discovered 94 grammes of cannabis, a cannabis crusher, and other drug paraphernalia. The total weight of the seized drugs was 32.24 kilogrammes.

Ebenezer admitted to participating in the illegal drug trade since 2017, according to his statement to the NDLEA.

The NDLEA also reported intercepting another businessman, Omoruyi Terry, who attempted to export 1,400 tramadol 225mg pills weighing 800 grammes to Italy.

Terry was apprehended at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight. Terry, according to investigators, is a frequent traveller and logistics agent based in Italy.

Beyond the arrests in Lagos, the NDLEA has reported successful operations throughout the country:

Katsina: Four suspects, including a woman, were apprehended during a raid in Godai village. Authorities seized 684 blocks of compressed skunk (423 kilogrammes) and 86,000 diazepam pills.

Edo: Operatives destroyed over 13,198 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa in various forest locations, including Uhen, Sobe, and Amahor. They also removed 158 kilogrammes of the same substance for potential prosecution.
Niger: A Toyota Corolla was stopped on the Mokwa-Jebba road, revealing 179 blocks of compressed skunk (77.6 kilogrammes) hidden in a false bottom. Two suspects, Paul Christopher, 46, and Lucky Anumie, have been arrested. An additional 50 kilogrammes of skunk were found in the home of Isa Iliya, who is still at large.
Enugu: 108.5kg of skunk was seized from lockup shops at Aria New Market.
Kwara: Abdulrazak Saka was arrested in Ilorin with 25 kilogrammes of skunk.
Oyo: Sulk Saheed, 50, was apprehended in Ibadan with 2.5 kg of Ghanaian Loud and 515 g of Colorado.

The War Against Drug Abuse continues.

Mr Babafemi emphasised that the agency is actively pursuing its “War Against Drug Abuse (WADA)” campaign, which includes sensitisation activities in schools, workplaces, and communities across the country.

Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, congratulated the officers and men of the MMIA, DOGI, Edo, Kwara, Niger, Enugu, Oyo, and Katsina commands on their successful operations.

He recognised their balanced approach to reducing drug supply and demand.

He also wished them, their families, stakeholders, and all Nigerians a happy Eid-el-Fitr, emphasising the importance of continuing to work towards a drug-free society.