In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted various quantities of cocaine and opioids, including tramadol, pentazocine injection, morphine sulfate, and ketamine injection, concealed in shoe soles and clothing. These illicit substances were destined for the United States, United Kingdom, and Cyprus.
According to a statement released by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, operatives discovered 250 grams of cocaine cleverly hidden in the soles of custom-made shoes intended for Cyprus.
Additionally, over five kilograms of opioids, which were meant for shipment to the US and UK, were found concealed within clothing and other household items at courier facilities in Lagos.
Babafemi emphasized the ingenuity of traffickers, stating, “The NDLEA intercepted various quantities of cocaine and opioids such as tramadol, pentazocine injection, morphine sulfate, ketamine injection, among others concealed in soles of shoes, clothes, and other items being shipped.” This highlights the ongoing battle the agency faces in combating drug trafficking networks.
In another operation, NDLEA operatives seized 440 grams of a synthetic cannabis strain known as “Loud,” which was being shipped from Canada to Lagos. The seizure occurred at a logistics company, reflecting the increasing variety of drugs being trafficked internationally.
Furthermore, the NDLEA uncovered a significant stash of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, in a warehouse located in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lekki, Lagos.
During the operation, 148 cartons of non-medical nitrous oxide, along with additional items like gas cylinders and infusion chargers, were seized. A suspect, identified as Suliyat Abdulsalam, was arrested in connection with the warehouse bust.
In Edo State, the NDLEA’s vigilance led to the interception of a vehicle on July 10, where officers found 3,000 tramadol pills concealed within custard containers. The driver, Aminu Abdullahi, claimed he purchased the drugs in Onitsha, Anambra State, intending to sell them in Abuja.
Continuing their operations, NDLEA agents raided farmlands in Ohen forest, Abudu area of Edo, on July 11, destroying over five tons of cannabis plants on approximately 2.9 hectares. Four suspects linked to the cultivation were arrested during the raid.
Additional seizures included 2,865 kilograms of cannabis recovered in Ogun State and a joint operation with the Nigerian Army in Borno State, where 2,455 kilograms of Akuskura production materials were confiscated.
The NDLEA’s efforts to combat drug trafficking continue as they strive to disrupt the networks responsible for distributing harmful substances throughout Nigeria and beyond.
The recent operations underscore the NDLEA’s commitment to enhancing national security and public health by tackling the ever-evolving challenges posed by drug trafficking. As the agency ramps up its efforts, it urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that may indicate drug trafficking.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
