The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported a significant seizure of hard drugs, totaling 14,481,519 pills with an estimated street value of N13 billion. These operations were carried out in Amuwo Odofin and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State. The agency has also apprehended 10 suspects, including three visually impaired individuals and a businessman, on charges of drug trafficking. This disclosure was made by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, in an official statement released on Sunday.

During a series of intelligence-driven operations, the NDLEA conducted raids on various hideouts of drug cartels in locations such as Amuwo Odofin, Surulere, and the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) warehouse at Lagos airport. These efforts led to the recovery of an impressive cache of tramadol pills and bottles of codeine syrup, with a combined street value exceeding N13 billion.

Babafemi provided further details on these operations, stating, “The three intelligence-led operations began with the raid of House 8/10 Hon. Wahuha Avenue, Divine Estate, Ago Palace area of Amuwo Odofin on Sunday, October 29th. During this operation, 490,000 pills of tramadol and 81,519 bottles of codeine syrup, measuring 4,510,000mls, were seized. In a similar operation on Tuesday, October 31st, NDLEA operatives targeted a concealed warehouse operated by a wealthy Idumota trader, Nwaoha Anayo, located in Onitire, Aguda area of Surulere. This operation yielded the recovery of Twelve Million Seven Hundred Thousand (12,700,000) tramadol pills.”

Additionally, the agency apprehended six individuals involved in a syndicate that used their official positions to facilitate the smuggling of illicit drugs through the SAHCO warehouse at Lagos airport. The seized contraband amounted to One Million Two Hundred and Ten Thousand (1,210,000) tramadol pills. Notably, three other suspects connected to this operation are currently evading capture.

The NDLEA’s efforts extended beyond Lagos, as a businessman named Nwokolo Ifeanyi Anthony was arrested at the Abuja International Airport while attempting to board a flight to the Netherlands. He had concealed 86 heroin pellets in his belly. This arrest took place during the outward clearance of Air France flight AF 878 to Amsterdam.

In a separate operation, the NDLEA’s Directorate of Operations and General Investigation team intercepted 22 parcels of cocaine hidden within a fabric carton intended for shipment to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, three visually impaired individuals were arrested in various locations across the country for their involvement in a drug trafficking ring between Lagos and Kano. The arrest of one blind suspect, Adamu Hassan, led to the discovery of the group’s activities. The syndicate was further exposed with the apprehension of its leader, Bello Abubakar, and another member, Muktar Abubakar. A fourth blind suspect, Mallam Aminu, who was expected to receive the consignment in Kano, remains at large.

Lastly, the NDLEA conducted operations in Osun, Edo, and Ogun states, resulting in the destruction of a cannabis farm and the seizure of a significant quantity of processed cannabis plants. These efforts demonstrate the agency’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes across various regions.

In conclusion, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency continues to make significant strides in its battle against drug trafficking and illicit substance production, with these recent operations serving as a testament to their ongoing efforts to safeguard the well-being of the Nigerian population.