NDLEA Busts Major Drug Smuggling Operation: Loud Concealed in Giant Loudspeakers Seized at Lagos Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted a substantial shipment of Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis. The illegal substance was cleverly hidden within oversized loudspeakers contained in a consolidated cargo originating from New York, USA.

When NDLEA operatives uncovered the large wooden boxes masquerading as speakers at the NAHCO import shed of Lagos airport, they discovered a staggering 33.5 kilograms of Loud concealed within 60 bags.

Following the interception, arrests were made in a coordinated effort spanning Abia, Nasarawa, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Ogun, Ondo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Notable among the apprehended suspects are freight agent Akeem Afeez, logistics company manager Babalola Ayodeji Gboyega, and the consignment receiver Taiwo Olusegun Anuoluwapo.

In Abia, a joint operation with the State Homeland Security resulted in the arrest of a female lawyer, Adaobi Nweke, her boyfriend Emeka Nkemefola, her mother Mrs. Ngozi Nweke, and others connected to the family’s illicit drug trade. Substantial quantities of various drugs and a monetary exhibit of N578,400 were seized.

The NDLEA also thwarted the delivery of Loud by a 25-year-old Uber driver, Joshua Henry, in Nasarawa. Additional arrests and drug seizures occurred in Kano, Ogun, Kogi, Ondo, and Edo states, with operations uncovering methamphetamine, cannabis, and other illegal substances.

In the Federal Capital Territory, raids in Kubwa led to the arrest of individuals carrying cannabis, diazepam, and tramadol tablets. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the outstanding efforts of officers and emphasized the agency’s commitment to both supply reduction and demand reduction through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.