The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs and arrested suspects involved in drug trafficking across the country.
The operations, conducted between March 12 and March 29, 2025, targeted traffickers smuggling cannabis, tramadol, and other controlled substances within and outside Nigeria.
On March 12, NDLEA operatives intercepted seven large cartons of Loud, a strain of cannabis, at a logistics company in Lagos.
The cargo, weighing 32.24 kilograms, was traced to Arokodare Ebenezer, a Lekki-based businessman and owner of Damillionz Takeout.
He was arrested on March 24 at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki, while awaiting delivery of the consignment.
A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of 94 grams of cannabis, a cannabis crusher, and other drug paraphernalia.
“The bust followed a seizure on March 12, 2025, when NDLEA operatives intercepted seven large cartons containing the illicit drug at a logistics company in Lagos.
“The total weight of the cannabis seized from the suspect amounted to 32.24 kilograms after a subsequent search at his Lekki residence, where 94 grams of cannabis, a cannabis crusher, and other drug paraphernalia were found.”
Ebenezer revealed that he had been involved in the illicit drug trade since 2017, according to the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday.
In a separate operation, NDLEA officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, thwarted an attempt by Italy-based businessman Omoruyi Terry to smuggle 1,400 pills of tramadol (225mg) weighing 800 grams to Italy.
“An attempt by another businessman, Omoruyi Terry, to export 1,400 pills of tramadol 225mg weighing 800 grams to Italy has also been thwarted by NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
“Omoruyi was intercepted at the screening point of Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport on his way to Italy via a Qatar Airways flight. Investigation reveals the suspect is an Italy-based frequent traveller and logistics agent.”
Between March 24 and March 28, NDLEA operatives destroyed 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa in multiple forest locations across Edo State. The agency also seized 158 kilograms of the same substance for further investigation and prosecution.
“Not less than 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa were destroyed in Edo forests across parts of the state between Monday, 24th, and Friday, 28th, March, by NDLEA operatives, who also evacuated 158kg of the same substance for possible prosecution.
“The forests where no fewer than four cannabis plantations were discovered and destroyed include: Uhen forest, Ovia North East LGA; Sobe, Owan West LGA; and Amahor forest in Igueben LGA.”
On March 28, four suspects—identified as Baraka Abubakar, Haruna Alitine, Muhammad Babangida, and Hamisu Lawal—were arrested in Katsina State during an intelligence-led raid in Godai village, Daura Local Government Area.
The operation led to the recovery of 684 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 423kg and 86,000 pills of diazepam.
“In Katsina, four suspects: Baraka Abubakar, 40; Haruna Alitine, 23; Muhammad Babangida, 20; and Hamisu Lawal, were arrested on Friday, March 28, during an intelligence-led raid at Godai village in Daura LGA, where 684 blocks of compressed skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 423kg, and 86,000 pills of diazepam were recovered.
“The three male suspects were arrested while repackaging the diazepam tablets into other containers, while Baraka, the female suspect, was apprehended with heaps of skunk in her house.”
On March 28, NDLEA operatives in Niger State intercepted a black Toyota Corolla along the Mokwa-Jebba road, arresting two suspects in possession of 77.6kg of compressed cannabis concealed in a false bottom.
The next day, 50kg of skunk was recovered from the home of a fugitive suspect, Isa Iliya, in Wawa village, Borgu Local Government Area.
“While 108.5kg of skunk was recovered from lockup shops at Aria New Market in Enugu metropolis on Tuesday, March 25, 25kg of the same substance was seized from a suspect, Abdulrazak Saka, at Kilako Area of Ilorin, Kwara State, on Monday, March 24.
“Another suspect, Suli Saheed, 50, was nabbed with 2.5 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud and 515 grams of Colorado at the Olomi Academy area of Ibadan, Oyo State.”
NDLEA Intercepts Illicit Drug Shipments, Arrests Lekki Businessman is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
