In a significant blow to drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a massive shipment of codeine-based syrup at Port Harcourt Ports, Onne, Rivers. The agency seized 157,800 bottles of the illicit substance, valued at over ₦1.1 billion, during a joint inspection with Customs and other security agencies on Friday. This substantial seizure is a testament to the NDLEA’s efforts to combat the proliferation of opioids in the country.
According to Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesman, the drugs were cleverly concealed behind 257 cartons of ceramic sanitary wares to evade detection. However, the agency’s vigilant efforts led to the arrest of three suspects: Friday Achibong Joseph, 47; Abraham Anthony, 21; and Utibe Okon, 24. This operation demonstrates the NDLEA’s commitment to stemming the tide of drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
In addition to this major seizure, NDLEA officers also conducted a series of raids and arrests in other parts of the country. In Cross River, a warehouse raid in Obereakai, Odukpani LGA, yielded 2,687kg of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis. Meanwhile, in Bauchi, officers arrested Iriemi Imonikhe, 49, and Sa’idu Ladan, 30, along the Bauchi–Jos road, where they were found with 195 blocks of skunk weighing 287kg in a Toyota Camry.
The NDLEA also made significant seizures in other locations, including the recovery of 14 jumbo sacks of skunk weighing 560kg from a wooden boat at Oniru Beach, Lagos. At Maiduguri Airport, two businessmen, Ishaku Abdullahi, 30, and Buba Usman, 32, were arrested at the domestic arrivals hall with quantities of ecstasy pills and skunk disguised in colourful wraps labelled ‘Lychee’ and ‘Porro Legal’.
As part of its ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse, the NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continued across the country during the past week. The agency conducted sensitisation lectures at several schools, including Command Secondary School, Orba, Uden LGA, Enugu State, and Divine Gift International School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi. These lectures aim to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a culture of awareness and prevention.
The NDLEA’s tireless efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians. As the agency continues to intensify its operations, it is clear that the war against drug abuse is being waged on multiple fronts, from seizures and arrests to education and awareness. With the NDLEA at the forefront of this battle, Nigeria can look forward to a future where the scourge of drug abuse is significantly diminished.
