The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a social media network used to distribute illicit substances disguised as imported Christmas cookies and snacks. According to Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, two masterminds were arrested in a raid on their hideout in the Lekki area of Lagos. The drug syndicate had imported consignments of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, and colorful designer sachets.
The substances were packaged in retail quantities using sachets printed with pictures and labels of cookies and snacks. NDLEA operatives tracked the syndicate’s movements after receiving credible intelligence on their activities, which were conducted through a WhatsApp platform. The operatives eventually raided the syndicate’s apartment on Ojulari Street, Ikate area of Lekki, recovering a large quantity of designer sachets and 5kg of Loud.
In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives arrested a 38-year-old drug kingpin in the Ladipo area of Mushin, Lagos, while he was taking delivery of 110 pouches of Canadian Loud weighing 55.6kg. Three delivery vehicles were also seized from him at the point of arrest. Additionally, 100 grams of Loud concealed in a teddy bear imported from Thailand were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos.
NDLEA officers also recovered a consignment of 548 capsules of tramadol hidden in bottles of Vitamin C and Magnesium destined for the United Kingdom at another logistics firm. In Oyo State, NDLEA officers arrested a suspect with 8,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 590 bottles of codeine syrup, 1,500 pills of Co-codamol, and 9,900 capsules of tramadol.
The agency also conducted raids in Ondo, Kogi, and Bauchi states, resulting in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of large quantities of skunk, a strain of cannabis. In Kano, a suspect was arrested with 137kg of skunk, while three suspects were nabbed with 322 blocks of skunk weighing 209 kilograms in Bauchi state. A black Toyota Highlander jeep used in conveying the consignment was also recovered.
The NDLEA’s efforts to combat drug trafficking have led to significant seizures and arrests in recent weeks. The agency’s operations have disrupted various drug syndicates and networks, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to address the illicit drug trade. As the agency continues to crack down on drug trafficking, it is essential to reinforce the importance of addressing the root causes of drug abuse and promoting public awareness and education on the dangers of illicit substances.