The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the dismantling of an international drug syndicate with operations spanning Nigeria, South Africa, and Thailand.
Following a two-week intelligence-led operation, the agency said its operatives apprehended multiple suspects and seized significant quantities of illicit drugs in various states across Nigeria.
In a statement released by the Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, Femi Babafemi, it was revealed that the agency’s crackdown on the drug syndicate resulted in the arrest of five individuals involved in the cartel’s activities.
”The operation, which commenced on April 20th, culminated in the seizure of illicit drug consignments at the NAHCO import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos,” Babafemi said.
According to Babafemi, the investigation began with the arrival of four large suitcases containing illicit drugs from Johannesburg, South Africa.
The NDLEA spokesman added: ”Subsequent surveillance and intelligence gathering led to the apprehension of key suspects involved in the syndicate’s operations in Lagos, Abia, and Anambra states.
”The seized drugs, including a synthetic strain of cannabis known as Loud, were concealed within false bottoms of the suitcases.
”Among the arrested individuals were Umeh Chisom Peter, Chiwendu Uche Ugbe, Onyejakor Francis Chimezie, Naaji Valentine Chukwukere, and Mrs. Chinazo Osigwe.
”Their apprehension revealed connections to drug trafficking activities orchestrated from South Africa, prompting further investigations and subsequent arrests of additional suspects across Nigeria.
”In addition to the arrests, NDLEA operatives intercepted a 40-ft gas tanker along the Abuja-Abaji highway, discovering over 4,700 kilograms of cannabis sativa concealed in the truck’s gas tank compartment.
”The seizure underscored the agency’s commitment to intercepting drug trafficking activities and disrupting illicit drug supply chains within the country.”
Furthermore, the statement highlighted a series of successful operations conducted by NDLEA operatives nationwide, resulting in the arrest of individuals involved in drug trafficking and possession offences.
”From Kaduna to Bauchi, Benue to Bayelsa, NDLEA operatives intercepted drug traffickers and seized large quantities of illicit substances, including cannabis, codeine syrup, tramadol, and cocaine.
”The NDLEA’s relentless efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse have yielded significant results, with the dismantling of an international drug syndicate and the arrest of numerous suspects across Nigeria,” he added.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the NDLEA in its efforts to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
Mrs Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, conveyed this assurance during her visit to the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Mohammed expressed the UN’s willingness to bolster the significant efforts of the agency in addressing the scourge of illicit drugs in society.