In a series of successful operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and related crimes across Nigeria. These operations, which took place at various locations, have resulted in significant drug seizures and the rescue of vulnerable individuals.
Lagos Airport Interception
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, NDLEA operatives apprehended an individual identified as Ugwu Peter Tochukwu, who was attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight bound for Oman. Upon a thorough search of his luggage, authorities uncovered 7.50 kilograms of skunk cleverly concealed within crayfish mixed with dry bitter leaf.
Courier Company Discoveries
Simultaneously, NDLEA officers associated with courier companies discovered 2.9 kilograms of skunk and 14 grams of methamphetamine concealed in bags of semovita and the soles of ladies’ high heel shoes, destined for Dubai. These findings underscore the agency’s vigilant efforts to prevent the illicit export of narcotics.
Rescue of Pregnant Teenagers in Imo State
In a separate operation in Imo State, NDLEA operatives patrolling along the Aba-Owerri expressway rescued five pregnant teenage girls suspected to be victims of child trafficking, possibly intended for use in a baby factory. These young girls, aged between 15 and 17, include Chioma Emmanuel, Uma Faith, Divine Adimonye, Opara Gift, and Amarachi Mbata. They claimed to have no knowledge of the men who impregnated them. The Imo State command of the NDLEA has transferred them to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigations.
Other Significant Drug Busts
The NDLEA also reported the arrests of individuals involved in drug trafficking across several states. Notable cases include the apprehension of Moses Akowe and Sunday Gabriel with 227.1 kilograms of cannabis in Kogi State and Bilikisu Salako with 108 kilograms of the same substance in Ogun State. Additionally, 100 blocks of cannabis weighing 55 kilograms and 600 bottles of codeine-based syrup seized from Salisu Murtala and Shafi’u Dahiru have been traced to two other suspects, Muntari Nasiru and Yusuf Ali, who were arrested in follow-up operations in Kano.
Codeine Syrup Seizure in FCT
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, a 27-year-old individual named Kingsley Chimaobi was arrested with 6,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup along the Lokogoma-Abuja road.
Successful Prosecution
Furthermore, a drug dealer identified as Segun Odeyemi was sentenced to five years in prison by a Federal High Court in Lagos. Odeyemi was found guilty of trafficking and dealing in 3,842 kilograms of skunk. His arrest on July 1st came as he was transporting 89 jumbo bags of the illicit substance in his truck around the Eleganza area of Ajah, Lekki. He faced charges in suit number FHC/L/388C/2023 and was presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko.
Nationwide War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Initiatives
Throughout the country, various NDLEA commands continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities during the past week. These initiatives included advocacy visits, lectures, and awareness campaigns targeting diverse groups such as religious leaders, military personnel, community members, students, and more.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the dedication and diligence of officers and personnel across the country. He also praised their collaborative efforts with stakeholders in extending WADA sensitization lectures and advocacy messages to communities, schools, places of worship, workplaces, and traditional institutions. He urged them to persist in their mission to combat drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.
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