The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted various quantities of cocaine and opioids, such as tramadol, pentazocine injection, morphine sulphate, and ketamine injection, concealed in shoe soles, clothes, and other items being shipped to the United States, United Kingdom, and Cyprus. NDLEA officers discovered 250 grams of cocaine hidden in custom-made shoes bound for Cyprus and over five kilograms of opioids concealed in clothes and household items destined for the US and UK. Additionally, 440 grams of “Loud,” a synthetic strain of cannabis from Canada, was intercepted in a Lagos logistic company.
On July 10, 2024, NDLEA operatives in Edo state intercepted a vehicle at Ewu junction, Esan Central LGA, seizing 3,000 pills of tramadol 225mg hidden in custard containers. The suspect, Aminu Abdullahi, claimed the drugs were bought in Onitsha, Anambra state, and were to be sold in Mararaba, Abuja. In another operation on July 11, NDLEA officers raided Ohen forest in Abudu, Edo, destroying 5,429.751kg of cannabis and arresting four suspects. On July 13, an additional 300 kilograms of cannabis were recovered from Uzzeba Obi camp in Owan West LGA.
In Ogun state, on July 9, 2,865 kilograms of cannabis were recovered in Afami Ibese, while the suspected owner remains at large. In a joint operation with the Nigerian Army in Konduga, Borno state, NDLEA operatives seized 2,455 kilograms of materials for producing Akuskura, a new psychoactive substance, on July 9. The next day, NDLEA officers in Katsina arrested Sabo Sule, 54, with 47kg of cannabis.
On July 8, in Lagos, NDLEA operatives raided a warehouse in VGC, Lekki, seizing 148 cartons of non-medical nitrous oxide (laughing gas), 108 cartons of fast gas cylinders, 134 balloons, and 109 cartons of infusion chargers. A female suspect, Suliyat Abdulsalam, was arrested.
NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities continued nationwide in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities. Recent activities included lectures at St. Louis Grammar School Senior, Mokola, Ibadan; Infant Jesus Model Secondary School, Oron; Ede High School, Ede; Government Day Secondary School, Kalga Gari, Daura; and Rehoboth Secondary School, Okpuno Awka.
NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers in Edo, Borno, Ogun, Katsina, Lagos, and FCT Commands, as well as DOGI, for their efforts in reducing drug supply and promoting WADA activities. He urged them to maintain the current momentum.