NDLEA says it arrested a Nigerian businessman, Ezeokoli Sylva, at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) for trafficking 700 grammes of cocaine. Sylva, 59, returned to Nigeria on November 29, 2024, from Sao Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
The NDLEA team grew suspicious of Sylva during routine checks at the airport. A body scan allegedly revealed foreign objects in his stomach. After monitoring him, they reportedly found 29 wraps of cocaine weighing 700 grammes. Sylva had swallowed the drugs in an attempt to smuggle them into Nigeria, the agency says.
Sylva, who runs an African store in Brazil, claimed he bought the drugs in Sao Paulo to sell in Nigeria. He planned to use the proceeds to expand his business.
On November 26, 2024, NDLEA officers in Lagos intercepted two major consignments heading to the United Kingdom. The first contained 200 grammes of cocaine, concealed in local fabrics. The second contained 40 ampoules of pentazocine injection (110 grammes), hidden in cartons.
Opioid Seizure in Kano
On November 28, 2024, NDLEA operatives in Kano arrested three suspects: Jamilu Adamu (38), Umar Musa (32), and Bunu Ali (27). They had 2,000 ampoules of pentazocine and 3.1 million pills of Exol-5, a powerful opioid. Officials discovered the drugs during an operation on Zaria Road, Kano.
Massive cannabis seizures, aside the 700 grammes of cocaine
Also on November 28, 2024, NDLEA agents in Lagos intercepted a massive shipment of 2,120 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud cannabis at Ilesan beach. The drugs were hidden in a shipment, and suspect Onibogi Muftau was arrested. The authorities also siezed four vehicles that the suspect planned use in transporting the drugs.
Earlier, on November 25, 2024, NDLEA officers seized 472 kilograms of cannabis in Ogun State. NDLEA operatives found the drugs in Imeko, during an operation at the Idi-Iroko border.
In Edo State, NDLEA operatives arrested two suspects, Monday Onyenemue (60) and Evans Omogiede (42), on November 28, 2024. They were caught with 185.6 kilograms of cannabis. The drugs were hidden in a Toyota Previa bus, which NDLEA agents also recovered.
The NDLEA continues its nationwide efforts to reduce drug abuse. Last week, the agency conducted sensitization lectures at schools across Kano, Yola, Enugu, and Ekiti states. They also educated traders at 8 Miles Market in Calabar, Cross River State.
NDLEA spokesman, Femi Abafemi, says the Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the operational achievements of the agency. He emphasized the importance of the agency’s balanced approach to reducing both drug supply and demand. NDLEA remains committed to its mission of eradicating drug trafficking and abuse across Nigeria.
Leave feedback about this