NDLEA detains Olisaka Chibuzo Calistus, a businessman, for attempting to smuggle 256 wraps of cocaine into Nigeria. The cocaine, weighing 6 kilograms, was found hidden on his body. This interception, made on December 15, 2024, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, marks the largest cocaine seizure in the airport’s history. The suspect arrived on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 941 from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Similarly, NDLEA detains Olanrewaju Bada Akorede, a repeat offender, at Lagos airport for attempting to export rohypnol to South Africa. Akorede concealed the drugs in a cargo shipment containing gari, shoes, and men’s singlets. This arrest follows his previous conviction in December 2023 for attempting to ship tramadol and rohypnol. He had been fined and released, only to repeat the same crime.
On December 18, 2024, NDLEA arrested Cynthia Akaeen, an Italy-based businesswoman, attempting to board a flight at Lagos airport. She tried to smuggle 9,190 tablets of tramadol, weighing 6 kilograms, to Italy. According to Akaeen, she was promised 1,000 Euros for successfully delivering the drugs.
In Anambra state, NDLEA agents raided a warehouse in Onitsha and detained suspects while recovering 418,330 pills of tramadol and tapentadol. They also seized 8,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup. On December 18, 2024, NDLEA officers at Tincan Island port seized 180,000 bottles of codeine syrup originating from India. They detained Makata Emmanuel, the consignee of the shipment.
The agency also napped Ishaya Wabba, 54, and Samaila Audu, 44, in Maiduguri, Borno state, with 293,000 capsules of tramadol. They also had a pistol and 26 rounds of ammunition. Officials apprehended the two men during a routine stop at Pompomari Bypass. Another suspect, Sanusi Abdul Hamid, was detained with 260,000 tramadol capsules in Gwange area.
NDLEA detains more suspects suspects
On December 18, 2024, NDLEA arrested Modu Kolera, 35, at Custom area of Maiduguri. He was found with 8.5kg of cannabis, 5,000 pills of tramadol, 7,500 tablets of diazepam, and 50 liters of “suck and die,” a new psychoactive substance. The agency continues its fight against drug trafficking across the country.
NDLEA detains Gafar Saminu, 30, on December 18, 2024, with 33.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa at Ayete, Oyo state. The agency also raided the Aria New Market in Enugu on the same day, seizing 94 kilograms of cannabis.
Some members of the public have commended the agency’s swift actions in intercepting large drug consignments. A member of the public in Lagos said, “NDLEA is doing a fantastic job. These drugs are destroying lives. I hope the agency keeps up the good work.”
A resident of Maiduguri also noted, “The NDLEA’s efforts in Borno are commendable. It’s clear that drug trafficking is a major problem here.”
However, some are calling for even more stringent measures. “While the NDLEA is doing great work, there needs to be harsher punishment for repeat offenders like Akorede,” said a lawyer based in Lagos. “Letting him off with a fine encourages others to repeat their crimes.”
Members of advocacy groups focused on drug abuse want the government to prioritize rehabilitation alongside enforcement. “Arresting traffickers is important, but we also need to help those addicted to these substances,” said a representative from the Anti-Drug Coalition.
Expert opinions on NDLEA’s work
Experts in narcotics control have praised NDLEA’s recent actions, noting that the seizures represent a significant blow to drug trafficking. “The amount of tramadol and other drugs seized is staggering. This shows that drug trafficking syndicates are operating on a large scale,” said Ijeoma Okafor, a narcotics expert.
“We have to give credit to NDLEA. Their success in intercepting large drug consignments is crucial to curbing the problem,” added Tunde Adebayo, an expert in international law and drug trafficking.
However, experts also stress the need for increased resources and cooperation with international agencies. “The trafficking routes are complex and often international in nature. More collaboration with global authorities is needed to tackle this,” Okafor said.
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