NDLEA Dismantles Drug Networks Nationwide, Seizes Cocaine Hidden In Lipsticks And Land Papers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking, dismantling multiple syndicates and seizing large quantities of illicit substances cleverly concealed in everyday items.

In Lagos, operatives arrested a notorious trafficker, Ajetsibo Emami, popularly known as ‘Warri Kinsman’, on June 28 in Ikeja as he attempted to move a drug consignment to Lekki. Three accomplices were also apprehended, and 24 jumbo bags containing 681 pouches of Canadian Loud cannabis, weighing 414.2kg, were confiscated.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that officers also intercepted cocaine shipments ingeniously disguised for export. A parcel destined for the UK was found to contain 420 grams of cocaine concealed inside 84 tubes of female lipstick, while another bound for Saudi Arabia had 280 grams of the drug hidden within a certificate of occupancy.

The agency further raided the Lagos residence of a couple, Ajah Johnson Uchenna and Rosemary Uchenna, initially arrested on June 13 with 277.5kg of cannabis. A follow-up search on July 1 led to the discovery of an additional 231kg, resulting in the arrest of their daughters, Ngozi and Blessing, and a family friend, Okoro Elijah.

At Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, NDLEA intercepted Aburemi Hysent on July 2 with 7,660 tramadol pills hidden in food items en route to Italy. He confessed to being promised €800 for the delivery.

In another airport operation, a freight agent, Bolarinwa Saheed, was caught with 52 travellers’ cheques worth AU$17.7 million concealed in children’s books heading for Malaysia via Istanbul. The cheques, suspected to be fake, were handed over to the EFCC.

Nationwide raids yielded significant results:

• In Baba-Pupa near the Seme border, 718 parcels of cannabis weighing 359kg were recovered.

• Along the Okene-Lokoja highway, officers intercepted 10,000 tramadol pills and over 1kg of Colorado, leading to arrests in Abuja.

• In Osun State, over 61,000 opioid pills were seized, a 9.67-hectare cannabis farm destroyed at Ikaka in Oke-Ila forest with 24,175kg burned, and seven suspects arrested.

• In Borno, 167kg of skunk was seized at Gamboru-Ngala. In Kano, 452kg was recovered along the Zaria-Kano road, with two men arrested.

• In Abuja, 11,000 tramadol pills were seized on Kaduna road.

• Sokoto operatives nabbed a 62-year-old with 4,800 tramadol pills, while in Kebbi, 312kg of cannabis and 10,000 diazepam tablets were confiscated.

• In Taraba, nearly 50,000 tramadol capsules were intercepted at Mallum in Ardo-Kola LGA.

• Edo State officers arrested a wanted trafficker, Alaba Monday, with 115kg of cannabis in Ewere forest, while in Cross River, a 78-year-old man, Mike Abeng, was found with cannabis and tramadol in Ofudua, alongside other suspects.

The NDLEA has pledged to sustain its aggressive operations to dismantle drug cartels and safeguard communities across the country.