The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its fight against drug trafficking with the recent arrest of a suspected trafficker and the seizure of significant quantities of illicit substances across multiple states. These operations underscore the agency’s commitment to reducing drug supply and ensuring public safety.

Arrest of Suspected Drug Trafficker in Enugu

On December 2, 2024, NDLEA operatives apprehended a 42-year-old suspect at Okeyson Motor Park in Enugu while attempting to collect a consignment smuggled from South Africa. The illicit drugs, concealed in three pressure machines, contained parcels of Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, weighing 7.40kg.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Mr. Femi Babafemi, the consignment arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos on November 29. Acting on credible intelligence, the MMIA Strategic Command monitored the shipment through clearing processes, tracked it to a logistics company warehouse, and eventually intercepted it in Enugu during a follow-up operation.

Major Seizures Across the Country

In addition to the Enugu operation, NDLEA recorded significant drug seizures in other states:

• Adamawa State: NDLEA operatives on patrol along Hildi-Askira Uba Road intercepted a Siena vehicle carrying 511,000 pills of tramadol. The occupants abandoned the vehicle after noticing they were being pursued.
• Ekiti State: Two suspects were arrested on the Ise-Emure Road while transporting 108 jumbo bags of cannabis weighing 1,323kg in a J5 bus marked EPE 958 XJ. The consignment was reportedly destined for Owo, Ondo State, for further distribution in northern Nigeria.
• Oyo State: Another suspect was nabbed on Idere Road, Igboora, with 704 kilograms of cannabis concealed in white sacks.
• Lagos State: A 65-year-old grandmother was apprehended at Odunfa Street, Lagos Island, where NDLEA operatives recovered 20.6 liters of codeine-based syrup. In another operation, a man was arrested at Ogundana Street, Ikeja, with 4.7kg of cannabis and 1.3kg of tramadol.

War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Campaigns

The NDLEA also continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns across the country. These lectures targeted schools, workplaces, worship centers, and communities, emphasizing the dangers of drug abuse. Highlights included:

• Progressive Secondary School, Ado Awaye, Oyo State
• Muslim Grammar School, Ede, Osun State
• Government Girls College, Maiduguri, Borno State
• Community Secondary School, Ogale, Rivers State

Commendation from NDLEA Chairman

Retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, NDLEA Chairman, commended the operatives of MMIA, Adamawa, Ekiti, Lagos, and Oyo Commands for their dedication and efficiency. Marwa highlighted the agency’s balanced approach to reducing drug supply and demand, which has been crucial to its recent successes.

“Your efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse are highly commendable,” Marwa stated. “These achievements demonstrate the agency’s resolve to protect communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.”

Conclusion

The NDLEA’s ongoing operations reflect its unwavering commitment to tackling drug trafficking and abuse across Nigeria. Through strategic enforcement and public awareness initiatives, the agency continues to make significant strides in building a drug-free society.