NDLEA Intercepts Massive Cocaine and Cannabis Shipments at Lagos Airports and Ports

In a series of major drug busts, the Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized large quantities of cocaine, “Loud” (a potent cannabis strain), and other illicit substances at various entry points in Lagos.

In other parts of the country, the NDLEA also seized hundreds of kilograms of cannabis from suspects in Kebbi, Abuja, Yobe, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Osun, and Jigawa states.

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers for the successful operations, urging them to maintain the momentum in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

Highlights of the seizures include:

• 40 parcels of “Loud” cannabis (20.3 kg) hidden in board game sets at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), leading to – the arrest of a businessman.
• 4 parcels of cocaine and 14 parcels of “Loud” (1.36 kg total) concealed in dried hibiscus leaves and bitter leaves, intercepted at the – — MMIA export shed. The intended recipient, a businesswoman, was arrested.
• 8 parcels of “Loud” (2.1 kg) found hidden in ladies’ dresses belonging to a Beninese passenger at the MMIA.
• 4.5 kg of “Loud” cannabis concealed in the door panels and boot of a vehicle at the Tin Can Port. Two suspects were arrested.

More details:

In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a sophisticated scheme to smuggle illicit substances into and out of Nigeria. The agency has reported the seizure of significant quantities of cocaine and a synthetic strain of cannabis, known as “Loud,” that were concealed in everyday household items such as incense candles, board games, and ladies’ clothing.

The NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, revealed the details of the agency’s recent operations, which have led to the arrest of several suspects involved in the illicit trade. According to Babafemi, the drugs were intended to be smuggled through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, both into and out of the country.

In his words, NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi said: “The items which include consignments of cocaine and loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis – were concealed in incense candles, game packs, dry hibiscus leaves and ladies’ wears”

One of the key arrests was that of a businessman, Abdulwahab Owolabi Alebiosu, who was apprehended at his residence in Lekki, Lagos. Authorities discovered a consignment of 40 parcels of Loud, weighing 20.30 kilograms, hidden inside packs of chessboards, scrabbles, checkers, and poker sets that had been shipped from Canada on a British Airways flight.

A search of Alebiosu’s home also led to the recovery of additional drug-related paraphernalia, including a weighing scale and a cannabis potency test kit. Investigators also seized a Mikano black truck with the registration number FST 657 HP from the suspect’s residence.

In a separate incident, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport intercepted two jumbo bags destined for Pakistan. The bags were found to contain dried hibiscus leaves, dried bitter leaves, and other food items that were used to conceal four parcels of cocaine and 14 parcels of Loud, with a combined weight of 1.360 kilograms.

Further investigations led to the arrest of a businesswoman, Eze Queen Ogechi, who claimed she was sending the illicit consignment to Pakistan on the instruction of her brother, Eze Nnamdu Promise, who is based in the South Asia country.

The NDLEA’s vigilance also led to the interception of a male Beninese passenger, Orobi Adoubi Amen, who was traveling to Dubai via Accra, Ghana on an Air Peace Airline flight and a connecting flight to Dubai, UAE on Emirates Airline. A search of the passenger’s bag revealed eight parcels of Loud, weighing 2.10 kilograms, concealed in ladies’ native dresses. The suspect claimed he was offered a fee of 600,000 Naira (approximately $1,300 USD) to successfully deliver the drugs in Dubai.

Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.) who is the NDLEA Chairman, commended the agency’s officers for their operational successes, stating that their efforts are well-appreciated. Marwa urged the anti-narcotics officers to continue their relentless pursuit of drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction strategies.

The recent seizures by the NDLEA highlight the evolving tactics employed by drug traffickers to circumvent law enforcement efforts. By concealing illicit substances in everyday household items and exploiting international travel routes, these criminal networks have demonstrated a high level of sophistication and adaptability.

“The use of candles, board games, and ladies’ clothing to conceal drugs is a clear indication of the lengths these traffickers will go to in order to evade detection,” said Babafemi. “It’s a testament to the NDLEA’s vigilance and the need for continued vigilance at our borders and ports of entry.”

“The NDLEA’s operational successes are a testament to the agency’s commitment to keeping our communities safe from the scourge of drug trafficking and abuse,” said Marwa. “We will continue to work tirelessly to identify and dismantle these criminal networks, and to send a clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate the importation or exportation of illicit substances.”

“Tackling the drug trade requires a multi-pronged approach, with law enforcement, border control, and international cooperation all playing a vital role,” said Babafemi. “The NDLEA is committed to strengthening these partnerships and leveraging the latest technologies and intelligence-gathering techniques to stay one step ahead of the traffickers.”

As the NDLEA continues its crackdown on drug smuggling, the agency’s message to those involved in the illicit trade is clear: Nigeria will not be a safe haven for your activities. The agency’s unwavering commitment to disrupting the drug supply chain and holding offenders accountable serves as a strong deterrent to those who seek to exploit the country’s borders for their own criminal gains.

• 9News Nigeria (Crime and Investigations)

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