By our Reporter
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted over 1.3 million tablets and capsules of tramadol and other opioids, as well as about 6,000kg of cannabis, across several states and the Federal Capital Territory. The seizures are worth more than N3.4bn.
In Lagos, operatives intercepted 1,200 parcels of Canadian Loud weighing 603.75kg and valued at N1.81bn at Tin-Can Island Port. The shipment arrived from Montreal, Canada, on September 12 and was searched on September 16 with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies. The drugs were hidden in 31 black jumbo bags inside two Toyota Sienna vehicles in a 40-foot container.
In Delta, 49-year-old Innocent Ekpe was arrested along the Benin-Onitsha Expressway in Asaba with 292.48kg of skunk. NDLEA said he allegedly posed as Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Emeka, using a forged police ID to evade checkpoints. His alleged accomplice, 39-year-old Nduka Joseph, was also arrested.
In Edo, 45-year-old Matthew Ossai was arrested at an auto-repair workshop in Benin City with 48kg of Canadian Lloyd and 152g of methamphetamine.
In Niger, three suspects were arrested along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway with two locally made AK-47 rifles, a magazine, a locally made pistol, another magazine and nine rounds of 9mm ammunition.
In Lagos, 48,900 tramadol 225mg pills were recovered from Onyeka Ofor, while Luke Ugokwe was arrested after 59kg of cannabis was intercepted. Ibrahim Hudu, 43, was also arrested with 998.38kg of nitrous oxide gas.
In Gombe, 154,480 tramadol capsules were recovered from Sabi’u Umar, 27, and Hassana Muhammad, 19. In Imo, 25-year-old Ifesinachi Godwin was arrested with 43.85kg of skunk.
In Ondo, four suspects were arrested during a raid and destruction of a 5,000kg cannabis farm covering two hectares in Ita-Ogbolu Forest. NDLEA said 48kg of dry and fresh cannabis was recovered.
