The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has seized a consignment of 175,000 bottles of opioids imported from India, just a week after confiscating a similar shipment of 175,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup at the Port Harcourt Ports complex in Onne, Rivers State.
According to Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, the latest seizure, which occurred on June 7, 2024, consisted of 875 cartons of codeine, each containing 175,000 bottles and weighing a total of 26,250 kg.
This seizure was the result of a joint examination by NDLEA, Customs Service, and other security agencies, following intelligence that prompted a request for a thorough examination of the shipments.
The container marked HASU 4787890, originating from India, was en route to the C to C bonded terminal in Enugu.
In addition, NDLEA officers from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted five parcels containing illicit drugs concealed in ladies’ clothes and synthetic hair bound for the United States and the United Kingdom on June 5.
The confiscated drugs included 620 ampoules of pentazocine injection, promethazine, and other opioids, seized at a courier firm in Lagos.
Furthermore, NDLEA operatives in Kebbi State, while patrolling the Kalgo-Birnin Kebbi road on June 8, apprehended a 32-year-old Nigerien, Hassan Mummuni, with 4,000 pills of diazepam and 1.25 kg of cannabis hidden in four pesticide tanks.
These actions by the NDLEA reflect ongoing efforts to curb the trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs in Nigeria, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Babafemi’s statement disclosed that operatives in Gombe State on the same day arrested Ibrahim Abubakar (aka Alhajiji) in Herwagana, with 6,740 pills of tramadol and 20,000 tablets of diazepam.
He also stated that no fewer than 1,098 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from a suspect, Onyekachi ThankGod Iwula, 42, following his arrest on a commercial bus at Aloma Junction, Otukpa, Ogbadibo LGA, Benue State.
Babafemi continued: “In Bauchi State, NDLEA officers on patrol along the Ningi-Kano road on Wednesday, June 5, arrested a 20-year-old lady, Hasana Usman, with 25 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 28.2 kg, while their counterparts in Yobe State nabbed Ali Mohammed, 42, along the Kano-Potiskum road, with 19,000 pills of tramadol 225 mg concealed in a black sack and the suspect’s traveling bag.
“In Oyo State, 57-year-old Oladimeji Samson was arrested in a commercial bus at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway with 79 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 44.4 kg and 48 grams of ecstasy, all concealed in the engine compartment under the driver’s seat of the bus.
“Not less than 17,980 pills of tramadol and other opioids were seized from a suspect, Ali Isiaka Mohammed, 36, following his arrest at Ganaja Village, Lokoja LGA, Kogi State, while the duo of Blessing Samuel, 35, and Unnanchi Mike, 34, were arrested with 804 bottles of codeine syrup at Narayi, Kaduna State. Also in Kaduna, Tijjani Umar, 37, and Yahaya Suleman, 35, were arrested with 33.9 kilograms of cannabis sativa at Lafiya area, Kudan LGA of the state.
“At least nine suspects, including Salisu Sanda, 48, and James Andrew, 25, were arrested by NDLEA operatives during a raid at Toaabora Hills area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Saturday, June 8, with a total of 83.01 kg of cannabis recovered from them.”
Reacting to the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.) commended the officers and men of PHPC, Gombe, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Oyo, Yobe, Bauchi, Kebbi, and FCT Commands, as well as those of DOGI, for the arrests and seizures.
Marwa noted that their drug supply reduction efforts are balanced with WADA sensitization activities, while he charged them and their compatriots across the country to maintain their zeal and tempo.
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