Drugs allegedly concealed in spare parts as NDLEA busts multi-million naira drugs ring.

NDLEA busts a multi-billion naira worth of drugs shipped in spare parts from Canada for Christmas sales. It included Methamphetamine and Loud, a strong synthetic strain of cannabis. While the operatives seized the Meth shipment worth N3.3 billion in Lagos, they also intercepted Load worth N4.4 billion  in Rivers.

The seizures include 83.3kg of methamphetamine and 867kg of Loud cannabis, hidden in auto parts from Canada. NDLEA tracked the consignment for months across three continents before intercepting it at Tincan Seaport in Lagos. Its spokesman, Femi Babafemi said the consignments were headed for warehouses in Ladipo auto parts market in Mushin. The drugs had street values of N124.9 million for meth and N2.1 billion for cannabis

Operatives arrested businessman Isaac Onwumere  during the seizure at the Sifax bonded terminal in Lagos on December 12th. The second shipment, checked on December 13th, contained 867kg of Loud cannabis and 78.3kg of methamphetamine. NDLEA officers found the drugs packed in 44 jumbo bags and six coolers hidden in the consignment. The officers also arrested two other businessmen, Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe,  for alleged involvement in this shipment.

Babafemi said NDLEA tracked these consignments from Toronto, Canada, through Montreal, Antwerp, and finally to Lagos between October and December.

NDLEA busts major drug trafficking networks

The recent seizures come amid ongoing efforts by NDLEA to combat narcotics trafficking and distribution nationwide. In addition to the Tincan seizure, NDLEA busts 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth N4.4 billion in Rivers. These bottles, shipped from India, were seized in four containers at Port Harcourt’s Onne Port in December.

Experts from the anti-narcotics community have hailed NDLEA’s efforts in combating drug smuggling and distribution. A spokesperson for an anti-narcotics advocacy group praised NDLEA’s effective tracking and intelligence-led operations.

NDLEA’s Chairman, Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, also praised the officers. He emphasized that NDLEA’s strategic operations send a strong message to drug cartels operating in Nigeria.

Psychologists warn that the widespread availability of psychoactive substances like meth and cannabis has devastating mental health impacts. They explain that drugs like methamphetamine can cause severe psychological disorders, including paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behaviour. Loud cannabis, with its potent psychoactive properties, can lead to addiction, cognitive impairment, and memory loss.

Social advocacy groups highlight the growing concern over youth exposure to hard drugs like meth and cannabis. They call for more comprehensive drug abuse prevention programs in schools, workplaces, and communities to curb the problem.

Equally, psychiatrists and psychoanalysts agree that continued drug abuse can have long-lasting effects on mental health and well-being. The increase in methamphetamine and cannabis seizures reflects rising concerns about the mental health crisis in Nigeria. Additionally, some addiction treatment professionals told Medialord.ng that effective drug rehabilitation programs are essential for supporting those affected.

NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse across Nigeria

NDLEA has ramped up its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) program, targeting schools and communities nationwide. The agency has conducted sensitization campaigns at various schools, including City Comprehensive College in Anambra. Other WADA lectures were delivered at Government Secondary Schools in Adamawa, Lagos, and Kano, educating youth on the dangers of drugs.
The gency continues to educate Nigerians on the impact of drugs, advocating for healthier, drug-free lifestyles in all communities.

Public health experts agree that preventing drug use in schools is crucial to reducing future addiction cases.
NDLEA’s educational efforts are critical in helping Nigerians understand the dangers of hard drugs like meth and Loud.

Experts also stress the importance of global cooperation in tackling international drug cartels targeting Nigeria’s ports. NDLEA’s ability to intercept drugs before they enter Nigeria demonstrates the importance of international intelligence sharing.

By Tehilah Stephen

Ms. Tehilah Steven is a true global citizen, with a bias for cross-cultural engagement and social advocacy. With a background in International Relations and journalism, Tehilah immersing herself in reporting diverse community issues and promoting intercultural dialogue. Her work focuses on global development, sustainability, and human rights, crime and the judiciary

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