The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a series of drug trafficking and abuse incidents across multiple states, culminating in the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of substantial quantities of illicit substances. Among the notable cases is the thwarting of a 26-year-old nursing student’s attempt to smuggle cocaine to India and significant drug busts in Lagos, Kano, Kwara, and Taraba states.

Nursing Student Caught Smuggling Cocaine to India

Esther Onyinyechi Uzodinma, a 26-year-old nursing student at Noida International University, Uttar Pradesh, India, was apprehended at the Royal Park Hotel, Sabon Gari, Kano, on January 16, 2025, hours before her scheduled flight to Delhi. NDLEA operatives arrested Esther as part of a sting operation following the interception of her courier, Cosmas Okorie, along the Okene-Lokoja Highway in Kogi State.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed in a statement that Okorie was caught transporting 76 wraps of cocaine, weighing 1.34 kilograms, concealed in an audio speaker. Esther was to ingest the cocaine before boarding her Qatar Airways flight. She claimed the drug cartel she worked for had recruited her in India and promised $5,000 for the successful delivery of the consignment.

Extensive Drug Busts Across Lagos

NDLEA operatives conducted multiple raids in Lagos State, resulting in the arrest of numerous suspects and the seizure of various drugs, including:

• Ojodu-Berger: A raid uncovered 10 parcels (4.9kg) of Canadian Loud cannabis and packaging materials branded with street names such as “Dead Man” and “Gelato Cake.”
• Igando: Three suspects were arrested with 1,610kg of cannabis, 6kg of tramadol, and vehicles used for drug distribution.
• Lekki: Two suspects were apprehended with 28kg of Canadian Loud cannabis, while another operation on Lagos Island uncovered 67kg of cannabis and assorted substances, including tramadol, Molly, and methamphetamine.

The agency also seized cash totaling ₦623,650 during these operations.

Significant Seizures in Kano

In Kano, NDLEA operatives arrested two suspects in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, recovering:

• 7.6kg of cannabis (skunk)
• 78 tubes of rubber solution
• 356 bottles of the psychoactive substance “Suck and Die”

Another operation on Zaria Road led to the arrest of a suspect transporting 114 blocks of cannabis weighing 49.8kg.

Arrests in Kwara and Taraba States

• Kwara State: Three suspects were apprehended in Bode Saadu with 65.5kg of cannabis and 390 Molly tablets.
• Taraba State: A suspect was caught along the Wukari-Zaki Ibiam Road with 25,000 tramadol pills intended for distribution.

NDLEA’s Call for Vigilance

The NDLEA emphasized the importance of vigilance in curbing drug trafficking and abuse. The agency urged parents, community leaders, and citizens to remain proactive and report suspicious activities to law enforcement. These operations, spanning multiple states, highlight the agency’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes and protecting public health.

A Clear Warning to Drug Cartels

Through these coordinated efforts, the NDLEA continues to disrupt the operations of drug cartels while reinforcing its message that Nigeria is not a safe haven for drug trafficking. The agency has pledged to intensify its crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking nationwide.