Lagos, Nigeria — Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have made significant strides in their ongoing fight against drug trafficking, with recent operations resulting in multiple high-profile arrests and substantial drug seizures. The agency’s recent efforts have led to the arrest of an Ibadan-based businesswoman, Adewunmi Dorcas, and an auto parts dealer, Arinze Ora, along with other notable apprehensions.
Major Arrests and Drug Discoveries
1. Opioid and Cocaine Busts:
On September 6, 2024, NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos intercepted a shipment destined for London, UK. The cargo, concealed within cartons of foodstuffs, contained 924 bottles of codeine-based syrup, weighing 135.70 kg, and 5,250 tablets of Rohypnol. The shipment was presented by freight agent Owojori Olanrewaju Sunday, who has been arrested. Further investigation led to the arrest of Adewunmi Akeem Temitope, who revealed that his mother, 58-year-old Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas, was behind the shipment. Dorcas, known for her foodstuffs and cargo export business in Ibadan, was apprehended on September 7.
In a separate operation on September 11, 2024, NDLEA operatives intercepted a cargo of auto spare parts and Checker powder custard headed for Congo Brazzaville. A search revealed 300 grams of cocaine concealed within the custard containers. The consignor, Arinze Ora, an auto parts dealer based in Lagos, was subsequently arrested.
2. Drug Trafficking Syndicate Uncovered:
The NDLEA also targeted a network involved in drug ingestion and trafficking. On September 10, 2024, two brothers, Ikechukwu and Ugochukwu Ikeabba, were arrested for sponsoring drug traffickers specializing in ingesting drugs for export to Vietnam. Their arrest followed the capture of Ibeanusi Solomon Nosike, who was apprehended at Lagos airport with 68 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.282 kg. The investigation revealed further connections to Paul Mbadugha, arrested at Abuja airport on August 12, 2024, with 88 wraps of cocaine.
3. Additional Seizures and Arrests:
- In Gombe State, on September 14, 2024, three suspects—Auwal Abdullahi, Isah Rabiu, and Abubakar Da’u—were arrested with 2,490,000 pills of Tramadol hidden in bags of salt.
- Kaduna State witnessed the arrest of Idris Adamu on September 10, 2024, with 41.5 kg of cannabis sativa.
- In Ekiti State, Godiya Jikuk and Yusuf Umaru were apprehended on September 11, 2024, with a total of 73.6 kg of cannabis.
- Bauchi State saw the seizure of 208,920 pills of Tramadol and Diazepam from Chinedu Asadu on September 13, 2024.
- On September 10, 2024, Lagos State operatives recovered 104 kg of cannabis from Abba Abdullahi and Mustapha Yahaya along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
4. Major Codeine Syrup Seizure:
On September 10, 2024, a joint operation by the NDLEA, Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies at Tincan port in Lagos uncovered 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup in containers shipped from India. This discovery highlights the ongoing vigilance and comprehensive examination by the NDLEA.
Conclusion
The NDLEA’s recent operations reflect a robust commitment to combating drug trafficking and maintaining national security. The arrests of significant figures and the seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs underscore the agency’s effective strategies and the continuing challenge of drug-related crime in Nigeria.