Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have made a significant interception at the Port Harcourt Ports complex in Onne, Rivers State. They seized a staggering 6,125 cartons of codeine syrup, totaling one million and fifty thousand (1,050,000) bottles of the opioid. This haul, valued at over N7.35 billion on the streets, was discovered in six containers on June 29, 2024. This marks the third such seizure in just four weeks, thanks to the diligent efforts of a special NDLEA operations unit. The unit, in collaboration with the Port Harcourt Ports Command and other security agencies, including the Customs Service, conducted a meticulous joint examination of the containers.
The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, emphasized the scale of the operation, noting that the seized codeine syrup weighed a total of 157,500 kilograms. This significant find highlights the ongoing efforts to curb the trafficking of illicit substances in Nigeria.
In a separate incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, NDLEA officers apprehended two passengers en route to Doha on a Qatar Airways flight. The suspects, Aikhomoun Daniel (alias Oladapo Olanrewaju) and Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji, tested positive for ingesting illicit substances. Daniel excreted 90 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.022kg, while Ayigoro expelled 60 wraps totaling 662 grams. Investigations revealed that Daniel had stolen his late uncle’s identity to obtain a Schengen visa for easier access to Europe. NDLEA Intercept Codeine Worth N7.35 billion In Port Harcourt
On June 28, NDLEA operatives recovered 40.32kg of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, from a black Toyota Tacoma truck along Lekki-Ikoyi road. The driver abandoned the vehicle upon realizing he was being pursued by NDLEA agents.
Additionally, NDLEA operatives in Abuja disrupted a drug party on June 29, themed “Go Hard or Go Home. Pick Your Poison.” The raid led to the arrest of 60 individuals, including 25 males and 35 females, at an apartment in Sun City estate. The party organizer, Stanley Ikechukwu, was also apprehended. Six suspects were found in possession of ecstasy and cannabis.
Following the raid, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), NDLEA Chairman/CEO, ordered the unconditional release of 20 suspects who tested negative for drugs. The 33 individuals who tested positive will report to the FCT Command for treatment and counseling.
In Edo State, NDLEA officers raided a deep forest in Ugun, Igueben LGA, and arrested four suspects. The operation resulted in the destruction of 18,632.22 kilograms of cannabis cultivated on 7.45 hectares of farmland.
Across the country, NDLEA Commands and formations have continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization efforts. Recent activities included lectures and advocacy visits to educational institutions, religious centers, workplaces, and communities. Highlights include sessions at First Technical University in Ibadan, Government Day Secondary School in Yola, Ezeike High School in Nibo, Mount Zion Anglican Church in Akure, and a visit to the Oba of Yoruba in Kano.
Brig. Gen. Marwa commended the NDLEA officers for their arrests and seizures, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to staying ahead of drug cartels. He urged his team to maintain their balanced approach to drug control, ensuring that the agency’s efforts continue to yield positive results.
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