The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has carried out a sweeping nationwide crackdown on major drug trafficking networks, dismantling at least six syndicates and arresting nine suspected kingpins in a series of intelligence-driven operations.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi disclosed on Sunday that the coordinated operations led to the seizure of several tonnes of illicit substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, skunk, tramadol, codeine syrup, and drug-laced edibles.
According to Babafemi, two members of a transnational drug ring were arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State, after they attempted to pick up consignments containing methamphetamine, Loud, cocaine, phenacetin, methcathinone, and caffeine concealed in industrial cylinders imported from South Africa. The shipment, which arrived at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on November 13, was intercepted before NDLEA teams conducted a follow-up sting in Anambra.
At the Lagos airport, operatives also intercepted a brake servo component used to hide 2.3kg of cocaine destined for Gabon, leading to the arrest of a freight agent and an auto parts dealer linked to the shipment.
In Kogi State, NDLEA officers seized a trailer transporting 4.7 tonnes of cannabis and arrested three suspects, with a subsequent raid in Plateau State leading to the arrest of the suspected owner of the consignment.
A major warehouse in Ugep, Cross River State, was also uncovered, where a couple was arrested and 4.7 tonnes of skunk recovered.
Additional arrests and seizures were recorded in Edo, Enugu, Kebbi, Lagos, Niger, and the FCT, including drug-laced brownies, thousands of opioid pills, live ammunition, and large quantities of Canadian Loud and Colorado strains of cannabis.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) praised the operatives for their “vigilance, diligence and professionalism,” noting that the agency has intensified operations ahead of the festive season.
“The coming weeks present both an opportunity and a challenge. Drug cartels may attempt to increase their illegal activities during the holiday period. We must not, and will not, let down our guard,” Marwa said.
The agency also continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation programmes across schools and communities nationwide.
