In a sweeping nationwide crackdown, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted multiple drug shipments destined for the United Kingdom (UK) and Saudi Arabia, arresting high-profile traffickers and dismantling criminal networks.
Femi Babafemi, the anti-drug agency spokesperson noted that a passel confirmed to be cocaine was cleverly concealed in 84 lipsticks (420g) and inside a property title document (280g) was seized from a Lagos courier facility on 3rd July. The consignments were bound for the UK and Saudi Arabia.
In a related operation, NDLEA operatives arrested notorious drug baron Ajetsibo Emami, alias ‘Warri Kinsman’, in Ikeja on 28th June. His network was busted with 681 pouches of Canadian Loud cannabis weighing 414.2kg, intended for distribution across Lagos and beyond.
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A major family-run drug ring was uncovered in Lagos involving businessman Ajah Johnson Uchenna, his wife Rosemary, two daughters, and a family friend. The group was caught with over 500kg of cannabis, including 231kg recovered during a raid while the couple was in custody.
At Murtala Muhammed International Airport, trafficker Aburemi Hysent was caught on 2nd July with 7,660 tramadol pills concealed in food items, en route to Italy. A day later, NDLEA intercepted fake travellers’ cheques worth AUD 17.7 million hidden in children’s books, heading to Malaysia via Istanbul. Suspect Bolarinwa Saheed is in custody.
Further seizures include 359kg of skunk at Seme border, 13,901 opioid pills in Osun, 452kg of cannabis in Kano, and 312kg of drugs in Kebbi. Multiple suspects, including a 78-year-old man in Cross River and others in Edo, Borno, and Taraba, were apprehended.
The NDLEA also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, reaching schools and communities in Enugu, Lagos, Katsina, and Borno.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), commended the agency’s operatives nationwide for maintaining momentum in both drug supply suppression and demand reduction.
