LA SUITE APRÈS LA PUBLICITÉ

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency – NDLEA has recorded another major breakthrough in its offensive against international drug trafficking, intercepting 12 large parcels of cocaine destined for the United Kingdom.

It consist of a 2.80 kilograms of illicit substance meticulously concealed within the false bottoms of food flasks that was intercepted during an operation at the export shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport – MMIA in Lagos.

The consignment, intended for a Virgin Atlantic flight, led to the immediate arrest of two cargo agents and a subsequent follow-up operation that apprehended a 52-year-old freight forwarding agent identified as the primary sender.

Beyond the cocaine seizure, the agency’s vigilance at the Lagos airport resulted in the interception of a cannabis shipment arriving from the United States via Delta Airlines. The drugs, a potent strain known as “Loud” weighing 2.90 kilograms, were hidden inside snack food packs.

Daily Nigeria

This operation led to the arrest of three individuals, including a 29-year-old fashion designer who was identified as the consignee. Simultaneously, enforcement efforts on the road saw a trailer transporting cement along the Kaduna-Zaria highway intercepted with 847 kilograms of skunk—a highly concentrated cannabis variant—hidden amongst its cargo.

The NDLEA’s reach extended deep into rural areas this week, with significant “search and destroy” missions targeting illicit cultivation. In Cross River State, officers supported by military personnel raided a forest in the Uwet community, where they destroyed approximately 15,000 kilograms of skunk growing across six hectares of farmland.

Similar raids were conducted in Edo State, resulting in the destruction of over 2,200 kilograms of psychoactive substances. These operations were complemented by arrests in Delta and Lagos states, where suspects were found in possession of thousands of tramadol capsules and phenobarbital injections intended for export to Ghana.

Parallel to these enforcement actions, the agency has ramped up its “War Against Drug Abuse” – WADA sensitization campaign across the country. In the past week, educational and community formations in Niger, Kogi, Katsina, Kano, and Lagos states hosted enlightenment lectures aimed at students and staff.

These sessions are designed to provide the youth with the necessary tools to resist drug experimentation and to understand the severe legal and health consequences associated with narcotics. This dual approach emphasizes that while supply reduction is critical, demand reduction through education is equally vital.

Chairman of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised the various commands for their synergy and dedication to the national cause. Marwa highlighted that the balance between high-profile arrests and community-based sensitization is the key to dismantling drug networks in Nigeria.

He urged all operatives to maintain their current tempo, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria does not become a hub for international drug cartels or a victim of widespread domestic substance abuse.