Paragraph 1: Interception of Cannabis at Lagos Airport and Subsequent Arrests
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) scored a significant victory in their fight against drug trafficking by intercepting a shipment of cannabis, commonly known as "Loud," destined for the United Kingdom. The consignment, cleverly concealed within a duvet, was discovered at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. Two individuals, Adakole Sunday and Austin Balogun, were promptly apprehended in connection with the illicit shipment. Balogun, who admitted to being hired for the task, confessed to receiving N700,000 to ship the cannabis to the UK. He further revealed that a portion of the money was used for export handling charges, while the remainder went towards securing accommodation. This incident highlights the lengths traffickers go to in concealing drugs and the financial incentives that drive their actions.
Paragraph 2: Raid in Ikorodu and Discovery of Weapons and Psychoactive Substances
Expanding their operations beyond the airport, NDLEA officers conducted a raid in the Ikorodu area of Lagos. This operation led to the discovery of a hideout containing a cache of weapons and a novel psychoactive substance known as “skuchies.” Two suspects, Joseph Oluwasegun Adewale and Biodun Adelakun, were arrested at the scene. The recovered “skuchies,” a concoction of black currant, cannabis, and opioids, totaled seven liters. The significant arsenal seized from the suspects included three locally-made double barrel rifles, a locally-made double barrel pistol, an English-made pistol, a locally-made single barrel rifle, three cartridges, an empty 9mm cartridge, and an iron-head axe. This discovery emphasizes the potential link between drug trafficking and other criminal activities, highlighting the importance of comprehensive law enforcement efforts.
Paragraph 3: Seizure of Skunk and Laughing Gas in Mushin, Lagos
The NDLEA’s relentless pursuit of drug traffickers extended to the Akala area of Mushin in Lagos. On January 19th, officers conducted a raid that resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing in at 47 kilograms. Furthermore, 25.46 kilograms of Nitrous Oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, were also confiscated during the operation. The seizure of these diverse substances underscores the multifaceted nature of the illegal drug trade and the NDLEA’s commitment to tackling all forms of drug trafficking.
Paragraph 4: Arrests and Seizures Across Nigeria – Ekiti, Kwara, and Kano States
The NDLEA’s operations spanned beyond Lagos, demonstrating a nationwide commitment to combating drug trafficking. In Ekiti State, a 26-year-old suspect, Adepoju Taiwo, was apprehended on January 23rd with 1.950 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a high-potency cannabis strain. In Kwara State, Auwal Sani was arrested on January 20th in the Moro Local Government Area, with officers seizing a staggering 50,000 pills of Tramadol 225mg, weighing 36.56kg. The arrest of a Nigerien national, Abubakar Lami, along with Abba Sani and Auwal Aliyu in Kano State further highlights the cross-border nature of drug trafficking. The trio was found in possession of 13.1kg of skunk and 125 liters of “suck and die,” another emerging psychoactive substance.
Paragraph 5: Discovery and Destruction of Cannabis Plantation in Kano State
Continuing their operations in Kano State, NDLEA officers located and destroyed a cannabis plantation in the Gefen Kasa area of Dawakin Kudu Local Government. Sabo Ali Muhammad, a 45-year-old suspect linked to the illegal farm, was arrested during the operation. The eradication of this cannabis cultivation site signifies the agency’s proactive approach to disrupting the supply chain of illegal drugs, targeting not just the traffickers but also the sources of production.
Paragraph 6: Commendation of NDLEA Officers and Commitment to Combating Drug Trafficking
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (retd.), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, commended the officers involved in these successful operations across the country. He emphasized the agency’s unwavering dedication to combating drug trafficking and promoting drug abuse prevention in Nigeria. These operations demonstrate the NDLEA’s commitment to a multi-pronged strategy, targeting drug trafficking at various levels, from international airports to local hideouts and even cultivation sites. The agency’s efforts reflect a determination to curb the flow of illicit substances within Nigeria and prevent their export to international destinations.
