Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a significant blow to transnational drug cartels with a series of high-profile arrests and seizures.
Major Bust at Lagos Airport
A Thailand returnee, Oguejiofor Nnaemeka Simonpeter, was arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for importing 13.30 kilograms of heroin worth over N3.192 billion. The 29-year-old mechanical engineering graduate had concealed the illicit drug in six backpacks packed into two big suitcases.
Simonpeter claimed he was hired for $7,000 to deliver the parcels, with two destined for Lagos and four for Accra, Ghana. However, NDLEA officers intercepted him at the airport exit.
Seaport Interceptions
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives intercepted large consignments of opioids at three seaports: Lekki Deep Seaport, Apapa Seaport in Lagos, and Port Harcourt Port Complex in Rivers State. The seizures included:
- 32,607,900 pills of tramadol worth over N12.577 billion
- 1,451,994 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth N10.163 billion
The combined value of the seized opioids exceeds N22.740 billion.
Additional Arrests and Raids
NDLEA operatives also made arrests and conducted raids in Anambra and Edo states, seizing:
- 50,000 tablets of tramadol 200mg in Onitsha
- 70 bags of cannabis weighing 1,050kg in Aviose, Owan West LGA
- 110kg of cannabis in Owan Village, Ovia North East LGA
Ongoing War Against Drug Abuse
NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities continued across the country, targeting schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and men involved in the arrests and seizures, acknowledging their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and demand reduction efforts.
Add Comment