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Tag: NDLEA

  • Why drug abuse is on the increase in Nigeria – Peter Obi

    Why drug abuse is on the increase in Nigeria – Peter Obi

    Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi has hinted at why drug abuse is on the rise in Nigeria.

    Obi, who is a former Governor of Anambra State identified bad governance, Nigeria’s economic woes, frustration and hopelessness as some of the factors fuelling drug abuse among the youths in the country.

    He made this known n a message to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    The presidential candidate lamented that many Nigerian youths were taking to drugs as escape route from the harsh economic and political realities in the nation.

    “Nigeria today has the highest drug abuse prevalence in the world. While the global average is 5.5%, Nigeria battles with 14.4% drug abuse prevalence.

    “In 2021, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) found out that 40 percent of our youths, aged between 18 and 35, were deeply involved in drug abuse. What is more painful is that substance abuse is higher among youths in their productive age.

    “Accumulated leadership failure over the years in the country has continued to rob our youths of their bright future, thus deepening their addiction to substance abuse,” Obi said.

    While commending NDLEA for the good work they have been doing, Obi called on other relevant agencies to intensify their efforts against the ugly menace, and to continue with a widespread awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.

    He argued that the knowledge of the adverse effects of substance abuse will drastically reduce the scourge in the country.

    Obi also encouraged the youths to avoid all forms of substance abuse and focus on being productive and helping the country to grow, which, he added, could guarantee them a good livelihood and better future.

    The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is celebrated on June 26 every year.

  • Returnee from Brazil arrested with cocaine in private parts

    Returnee from Brazil arrested with cocaine in private parts

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Brazilian returnee with pellets of cocaine concealed in his private parts.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi.

    Babafemi stated that the suspect was arrested at the arrival hall of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.

    He stated that the suspect was nabbed on June 20 upon arrival on an Ethiopian Airline flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Addis Ababa.

    He added that the suspect had swallowed 50 wraps of cocaine before departing Brazil and excreted 48 pellets in Addis Ababa where he handed them over to another person.

    According to Babafemi, the suspect was unable to excrete the remaining two wraps at the hotel room in Addis Ababa before boarding his flight.

    “He later excreted them in the aircraft restroom during the flight from Ethiopia to Lagos,’’ Babafemi stated.

    Meanwhile, two drug kingpins behind the smuggling of two drug consignments from Canada concealed in vehicles containers through the Tin Can Port in Apapa, Lagos have been arrested by NDLEA’s operatives.

    Babafemi stated that one of them was arrested at his house in Idi Araba area of Lagos on June 22.

    The suspect was arrested for importing a 40ft container carrying 33 parcels of “Colorado’’ weighing16.5kg.

    Babafemi added that the second suspect, popularly called Otunba, was arrested on Thursday for his role in the smuggling of 290 parcels of “Colorado’’ weighing 145kg from Montreal, Canada.

    The drugs were concealed in four vehicles shipped into Nigeria in a 40ft container.

    “He had been on the run since March and had in the course of investigation attempted to bribe NDLEA officers with N10million to influence the case,’’ Babafemi stated.

  • NDLEA seizes N6bn worth of drugs in Apapa

    NDLEA seizes N6bn worth of drugs in Apapa

    The Apapa Area Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said it seized 19,703.25 kgs of hard drugs, worth over N6 billion between January and June 20.

    Its Commander, Mr Ameh Inalegwu, disclosed this in Lagos.

    He said that the command was ready to curb the menace of illegal drug dealers in the nation’s maritime space.

    ” This is already validated by the numerous seizures recorded in few months,” Inalegwu said.

    ” The drugs seized within seven days included 1,518kgs of Tafrodol and Tramadol weighing 3,553 kilograms.

    ” This is in addition to the seizures of cough syrup with Codeine in January, 40.25 Kgs of the same cough syrup with Codeine in February , 12 kgs of another cough syrup with Codeine in March.

    ” The command also recovered 350 grams of Cocaine and 150 grams of Heroin in March.

    “In summary, the command recorded a total seizure of 19,703.25kgs of assorted illicit drugs between January and June 20,” he said.

    ”Operation of the command in maritime corridor saddled it with the responsibility of waging war against drug cartels.

    ”NDLEA is mindful of the status of the sea port as a gate way and the limitless opportunities it offered to ship hard drugs in large volumes.

    ” The volumes that far outstrip what can be smuggled in through land or air transportation.

    “However , NDLEA would make the port impregnable for the cartels,” he emphasised.

    Inalegwu commended the NDLEA chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa , for rekindling the war against drug cartels.

  • Drug trafficking: NDLEA arrests 7 at Kano airport

    Seven suspects have been arrested by the Natiional Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for alleged drug trafficking at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano in May and June.

    Its commander at the airport, Mr Sani Abubakar, made the disclosure on Friday in Kano in commemoration of the 2022 UN International Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking.

    He said the suspects were arrested with Indian hemp, tramadol, pentazocine and khat, among others and would soon be arraigned.

    “They were arrested at the airport while attempting to smuggle drugs into the country.

    “A total of 470.21 kilograms of drugs were seized from the suspects.

    “NDLEA operatives are determined to thwart attempts at using the airport for drug trafficking,’’ he said.

    Abubakar added that increased manpower, provision of logistics and enhanced staff welfare contributed to the positive strides the NDLEA was making.

    The theme of the Day is: “Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crisis”.

  • [BREAKING] Drug deal: Court sentences 2 Abba Kyari co-defendants to two years imprisonment

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, convicted and sentenced two co-defendants in a suit filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against suspended DCP Abba Kyari over an alleged drug deal to two years imprisonment.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a judgment, said having admitted to having committed the offence preferred against them in counts 5, 6, and 7 by the NDLEA,  Chibunna Umeibe, and Emeka Ezenwanne, who are 6th and 7th defendants, “are hereby convicted accordingly.”

    Justice Nwite thereafter sentenced them to two years imprisonment on each of counts 5, 6, and 7.

    He said the terms, which shall run concurrently, would commence from the day the defendants were arrested by the NDLEA.

    The two defendants, Umeibe and Ezenwanne, who are 6th and 7th defendants respectively in the matter, are the two alleged drug traffickers arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu by the Nigerian police and handed over to the NDLEA.

    They had pleaded guilty to five, six, and seven counts preferred against them by the anti-narcotic agency.

    At the resumed hearing, counsel for the NDLEA, Sunday Joseph, told Justice Emeka Nwite that two motions seeking a plea bargain in respect of Umeibe and Ezenwanne had been filed.

    Joseph said the motions, dated June 13, were filed on June 14.

    Lawyer to the two defendants, E. U. Okenyi also concurred with Joseph’s submission.

    Also, counsel for other defendants, including Kyari,did not oppose the motions.

  • NDLEA arrests 11 suspects, seizes large consignments of drugs at Abuja, Lagos airports

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has arrested 11 suspects in connection with attempts by some cartels to smuggle illicit drugs through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja and the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA).

    The NDLEA said that large consignments of drugs were seized in the process from the suspects.

    Its spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement.

    According to the statement, first on the list of those arrested in connection to seizures at the two airports is Ofor Chima Chileobi who had on Friday 20th May attempted to export to Dubai, UAE, 200 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 30.20kg concealed in 40 sacks of bitter leaf through the SAHCO export shed, a cargo wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

    “On the same day, 10 cartons of khat with a gross weight of 354.600kg were also seized at the NAHCO import shed of the airport. The following day, Saturday 21st May, a freight agent, Roland Orinami was arrested by NDLEA operatives attached to the local wing of the Lagos airport with1.90kg Loud, a variant of cannabis, factory packed in some bottles while trying to send same via flight to Abuja.

    ALSO READ: NDLEA foils drug cartels attempt to break through security at Airports, seizes large consignments of drugs

    “A follow up operation in Abuja led to the arrest of a taxi driver, Nsikak Evans sent to collect the consignment.

    “His confession also led to the arrest of the actual owner, Adesanya Olakunle Isaac at his house in Life Camp area of Abuja.

    “Adesanya who claims to be into Information Technology, accepted ownership of the seized drug, which he said was meant for an upcoming birthday party of one of his friends.

    “On Tuesday 24th May, another freight agent, Moshood Azeez Olaide was arrested at NAHCO export shed of the MMIA when he presented a cargo containing psychotropic substances heading to Dubai.

    “The illegal consignment was packed into other items such as can drinks, liquid bitters and other non-controlled drugs.

    “The seized drugs include Tramadol 225mg, Rohypnol and MDMA. A follow up operation led to the arrest of another suspect linked to the crime, Olagboye Selim on Friday 27th May.

    “Also on the same day, operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service at NAHCO import shed transferred 15 cartons of khat leaf with a gross weight of 256.70kg, which came into the country on Royal Air Morocco to NDLEA command at the airport.

    “The previous day, Monday 23rd May, another freight agent, Lasebikan Felix Gbega was arrested with 200 bottles of pentazocine injection, with a brand name “Drutapent” weighing 1.05kg. The consignment was heading to the United States of America.

    “Another agent, Akuta Chioma Lucy was on Thursday 26th May arrested at the SAHCO export shed while attempting to export 14.75kg of khat concealed inside other vegetable leaves and food condiments such as bitter leaf, scent leaf, pepper, all packed in bags for shipment to the United Kingdom.

    “At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, a 45-year-old Ezika Ugochukwu Nicholas from Ichida, Anocha area of Anambra state was arrested on Thursday 26th May for ingesting 60 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.037kg on arrival from Addis Ababa on board Ethiopian airline.

    “Ezika who claims to be into shoe business before his arrest travelled to Ethiopia on 23rd May on the invitation of the person who gave him the drug, which he ingested before returning into the waiting arms of NDLEA officers at the Abuja airport.

    “In the same vein, efforts by drug cartels to export 4kg methamphetamine concealed in nylon rolls to New Zealand were also frustrated by anti-narcotic officers attached to a courier company in Lagos just as they blocked different quantities of cannabis sativa and Tramadol hidden in soles of slippers from being shipped to Oman through the same firm.

    “Meanwhile, no fewer than 335,820 tablets of Tramadol, Exol 5, Diazepam and Rohypnol as well as 400 bottles of codeine syrup concealed in bags of vegetables have been intercepted in Abuja in a hummer passenger bus coming from Enugu on Monday 30th May. The bus driver, Augustine James, 35, is currently helping investigation.

    “In Imo state, 1,111kg of cannabis sativa heading to the Orlu forest, which has become a fortress for non-state actors, was intercepted on Thursday 26th May,” Babafemi said.

    He added that a 35-year-old physically challenged lady, Kasarachi Onumajuru, who hides under her condition to deal drugs in Umudumaonu community, Mbaitoli local government area of Imo state was also arrested on Sunday 29th May.

    The Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig- Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) in his reaction commended the officers and men of MMIA, NAIA, DOGI, FCT and Imo Commands of the Agency for sustaining the heat on drug cartels.

  • NDLEA foils drug cartels attempt to break through security at Airports, seizes large consignments of drugs

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has foiled attempts by drug cartels to break through security at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, and the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and seized large consignments of drugs.

     

    Spokesman of the Agency Femi Babafemi said 11 members of drug syndicates were arrested in connection with the seizures.

     

    In a statement yesterday, he said a 35-year-old physically-challenged lady, Kasarachi Onumajuru, who deals in drugs in the Umudumaonu community of Mbaitoli council of Imo State was also arrested on May 29.

    NDLEA

     

    The statement reads, “First on the list of those arrested in connection to seizures at the two airports is Ofor Chima Chileobi who had on Friday 20th May attempted to export to Dubai, UAE, 200 blocks of Cannabis Sativa weighing 30.20kg concealed in 40 sacks of a bitter leaf through the SAHCO export shed, a cargo wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

     

    “On the same day, 10 cartons of khat with a gross weight of 354.600kg were also seized at the NAHCO import shed of the airport. The following day, Saturday 21st May, a freight agent, Roland Orinami was arrested by NDLEA operatives attached to the local wing of the Lagos airport with1.90kg Loud, a variant of cannabis, factory packed in some bottles while trying to send same via a flight to Abuja.

     

    “A follow-up operation in Abuja led to the arrest of a taxi driver, Nsikak Evans sent to collect the consignment. His confession also led to the arrest of the actual owner, Adesanya Olakunle Isaac at his house in Life Camp area of Abuja.

     

    “On Tuesday 24th May, another freight agent, Moshood Azeez Olaide was arrested at NAHCO export shed of the MMIA when he presented a cargo containing psychotropic substances heading to Dubai. The illegal consignment was packed into other items such as canned drinks, liquid bitters and other non-controlled drugs. The seized drugs include Tramadol 225mg, Rohypnol and MDMA. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of another suspect linked to the crime, Olagboye Selim on Friday 27th May.

     

    “Also on the same day, operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service at NAHCO import shed transferred 15 cartons of khat leaf with a gross weight of 256.70kg, which came into the country on Royal Air Moroc to NDLEA command at the airport.”

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) had reported that NDLEA Plateau Command said it has confiscated 2,000 tonnes of drugs in the state from January to date.

  • NDLEA confiscates 2,000 kg of drugs in Plateau -Commander

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Plateau Command says it has confiscated 2,000 tonnes of drugs in the state from January to date.

    The Commander of the Agency in the state, Mr Umar Yahuza, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Jos.

    Yahuza explained that the confiscated drugs included cocaine, cannabis sativa, tramadol and other illicit substances.

    “We have recorded tremendous successes from January to this moment; we have seized over two tonnes, almost two and a half tonnes of illicit drugs.

    “The breakdown is as follows, out of this almost two and a half tonnes, we have seized Cannabis sativa which on the street we call ganja or ‘wee-wee’.

    “It accounts for the largest seizures, it accounts for over 1,986 kilograms, that’s almost two tonnes.

    “Then we have the psychotropic substances, which include drugs like pentazocine, Tramadol, diazepam, and so on.

    “This group of psychotropic substances from January to this month, we have seized over 231 kilograms.

    “Cocaine seized from January to date accounts for 233.3 grammes, we have another drug of methamphetamine.

    “We have seized 126.2 grammes of amphetamine which gives us a total of two tonnes 341.986kg of illicit drugs seized in plateau from January to this moment,” he said.

    Similarly, Yahuza said that the command had arrested 290 suspected drug addicts and peddlers in the state within the period under review.

    He added that his men also arrested suspects with other prohibited items and handed them over to relevant authorities for prosecution.

    “As for the suspects we have arrested so far this year, we have 267 males, 23 females, that we have arrested, which gives us a total of 290 suspects.

    “And these people have been charged to court and they are at various stages of prosecution.

    “Added to that, in the course of our activities, we have come across people with other prohibited items.

    “For example, we arrested this young woman with about 2500 fake currency dollars, and she was handed over to the Nigerian police force for further action.

    “And several other cases like that,” he said.

    And on efforts to curtail the influx of illicit substances in the state, the Commander said so much was being done, in terms of public enlightenment and sensitisation to garner the cooperation of the public.

    He thanked Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), the chairman and Chief Executive of the Agency whose foresight he said, had inspired the successes recorded in the fight against drug use and abuse in the country.

    The Commander added that without the cooperation of the public, the job won’t be easy, saying that men of the agency were always on their toes to swing into action to checkmate the excesses.

    He, therefore, called on the public to continue to cooperate with them and report any suspicious acts noticed within their surroundings or environment.

  • Actress Onyii Alexx demands explanation from NDLEA for invading her home without warrant

    Hot and sexy actress, Onyii Alexx, has accused the operatives of the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of invading her home without a warrant, demanding for explanation.

     

    The 32-year-old called out the organization in an Instagram post.

     

    She wrote: “NDLEA NIGERIA KINDLY COME AND EXPLAIN WHY YOUR PEOPLE WILL BURST INTO MY HOUSE WITH NO WARRANT BEFORE I PUT THE VIDEO OUT.”

    Onyii

     

    The actress is not the only celebrity who has accused law enforcement of harassment in the past.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathered that others who have been raided by the NDLEA include skit makers De General and Nasty Blaq and music artists Zinoleesky and Mohbad.

     

    What you need to know about Onyii Alexx

    Onyii was born on the 27th of February 1987 in the South Western part of Nigeria, Lagos precisely. She is originally from Anambra state.

     

    She obtained both her First School Leaving Certificate and West African School Certificate while living in Lagos State.

    Onyii

     

    Career
    The actress entered the Nollywood industry in 2010 by acting in the movie, “3Some“. The movie projected her into the limelight, making her be nominated for the Most Promising Actress Award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award.

     

    Since then, Onyii has acted in over eighty Nollywood movies such as Sweetest Fruit, Beautiful Evil, Face of Evil, Dirty Dancers, My Dying Day, Over The Moon, and lots more.

     

    As a very talented actress, she worked alongside big names in the industry such as Mike Ezuruonye, Mercy Johnson, Chika Ike, Ngozi Ezeonu, Nonso Diobi, Kenneth Okonkwo, and many others.

    Onyii

     

    Besides acting, Onyii is also a model and has appeared in several TV commercials and Magazine Covers.

     

    She won an award for Best New Actress at the City People Entertainment Awards.

     

    Net Worth
    The Nollywood actress Onyii Alex has been sought after since her invasion, she has an estimated net worth of $100,000 – $200,000.

  • Drug kingpin excretes 95 pellets of heroin in Abuja

    Drug kingpin excretes 95 pellets of heroin in Abuja

    A 36-year-old Nigerian, based in Italy, Nwakanma Uche, has excreted 95 pellets of heroin, after he was arrested by operatives of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA).

    Uche was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, after it was discovered that he had ingested the pellets.

    The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that Uche, who hailed from Arodizuogu Village, Ideato Local Government Area of Imo State, was nabbed while trying to board an Air France plane on his way to Paris, France, and Milan, Italy, on Sunday, May 15, 2022.

    “He was thereafter kept under observation, during which he excreted the 95 pellets of the illicit drug.

    “He claimed he came to see his parents in Nigeria after 12 years in Italy.

    “He added that he was to be paid N 1.5 million after a successful delivery of the drugs in Milan,” he said

    Meanwhile, the agency has arrested a wanted drug kingpin behind the 2000.6kg Cannabis Sativa seized in a concrete mixer truck, in Adamawa State, on December 2, 2021.

    Babafemi said that the suspect, Henry Okamaru (a.k.a. Lawrence Ik Okamaru), was arrested in Ondo state after five months of manhunt by operatives of the NDLEA.

    He said that two suspects: Matthew Donuwe and Friday Nmborgwu, were arrested in connection with the consignment, in December, 2021.

    Babafemi also said that they had confessed that the concrete mixer truck, with a Lagos registration number, SMK 890 XB, was loaded with the illicit drug in Ogbese, Ondo state.

    He added that they traveled for two months on the road before arriving Adamawa where they were eventually arrested by NDLEA operatives.

    According to him, investigations revealed that Okamaru is one of the leaders of a cannabis cultivation cartel that operates in the Ondo-Ekiti axis.

    “He shuttles through Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo and Delta States, from where he coordinates supplies of illicit consignments to northern parts of the country and Lagos State.

    “The drug lord has also been identified as a member of an international drug trafficking ring, while he shuttles between Nigeria and South Africa, where his family is settled.

    “He has a strong control and stake in cannabis cultivation in Ondo, Edo, Ekiti, Osun and Oyo States, with large storage facilities in Lagos and Abbi in Delta State, from where his consignments are distributed year round,” he said.