The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested nine suspected drug cartel leaders in a week-long nationwide offensive that has led to the dismantling of six syndicates and the seizure of large quantities of illicit substances across several states.
Backed by intelligence-led operations, NDLEA officers in Lagos, Anambra, Kogi, Cross River, Edo, Kebbi, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) made multiple high-profile arrests and intercepted consignments of methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis (known locally as skunk), tramadol, codeine syrup and other illegal drugs.
The operations also uncovered links to online drug sales, cross-border trafficking routes and concealed shipments passing through major transport and aviation hubs.
Among the major interceptions was the seizure of methamphetamine, Loud and cocaine concealed in pressure machine cylinders imported from South Africa and seized at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Two suspects, identified as Ebulue Uzochukwu, 30, and 51-year-old South Africa returnee Christopher Ndibuisi, were arrested in Onitsha when they attempted to collect the cargo.
In a separate operation at the Lagos airport, officers discovered cocaine hidden inside an automobile brake servo destined for Gabon.
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The arrest of a freight agent led to a follow-up operation and the detention of a spare parts dealer at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo.
Kogi operatives intercepted a trailer conveying 4.7 tonnes of cannabis at Kabba and arrested three suspects, while the alleged owner of the drug shipment, Marcus Mangu, was later traced to Jos and taken into custody.
In Cross River, a couple, Onun Okpotum and his wife Itam, were arrested after officers discovered 362 jumbo bags of cannabis in their warehouse in Ugep.
While in Edo State also witnessed arrests, including two young women accused of producing and selling drug-laced brownies online.
Also at Kebbi, over 13,000 bottles of codeine syrup were evacuated from a warehouse, while a suspect transporting more than 12,000 opioid pills to a Boko Haram enclave was intercepted.
Further seizures were recorded along major transit routes in Abuja, Niger and Enugu, including the recovery of ammunition and pharmaceutical opioids concealed in vehicles and cargo.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa, commended the operatives for the coordinated successes and said the intensified crackdown was driven by intelligence that drug cartels attempt to scale up activity ahead of the festive season.
He assured that the Agency would not relax its vigilance, even as its War Against Drug Abuse campaign continued in schools, worship centres and communities nationwide.
