Massive Drug Bust Before Festive Season
In a significant operation aimed at curbing drug distribution during the holiday season, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted shipments containing methamphetamine and the potent synthetic cannabis strain known as “Loud” at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos. The total street value of the drugs seized is estimated at N3.3 billion.
The drugs were cleverly concealed within automobile spare parts that were imported from Canada. This operation marks one of the largest seizures by NDLEA in terms of both quantity and value, highlighting the agency’s relentless pursuit of drug cartels during the festive period. The first methamphetamine consignment weighing 5.001 kilograms was found hidden in a Toyota Camry, while the second included 867.5 kilograms of Loud and an additional 78.3 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Three businessmen have been apprehended in connection with these shipments. Isaac Onwumere was arrested following the discovery of the first methamphetamine consignment, while Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe were linked to the second, larger seizure. These arrests underscore the NDLEA’s commitment to not only intercepting illicit drugs but also dismantling the networks behind them.
Operation’s Intelligence and Coordination
The operation involved months of intelligence-driven tracking across three continents. The NDLEA, in collaboration with Customs and other port stakeholders, conducted a thorough joint examination of the shipments. The meticulous surveillance began in Canada, followed the cargo through Europe, and culminated in Lagos where the drugs were offloaded and targeted.
NDLEA’s Chairman Reaction
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, praised the officers for their diligence and strategic approach. He emphasized the agency’s resolve to continue such operations to ensure that Nigeria does not become a hub for drug trafficking, particularly during times when demand might spike like the festive season.
Additional Drug Interceptions in Rivers
Simultaneously in Rivers State, at the Port Harcourt Port Complex, NDLEA operatives intercepted 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup, valued at N4.4 billion, originating from India. This indicates a broader crackdown on drug trafficking across multiple Nigerian ports.
Public Implications and NDLEA’s WADA Campaign
This interception comes at a crucial time when drug abuse can dangerously escalate during celebrations. The NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, aiming to educate the public, especially the youth, about the perils of drug use. This seizure not only disrupts the supply chain but also serves as a stark reminder of the agency’s vigilance and the ongoing battle against narcotics.
This operation sends a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to combat drug trafficking, potentially deterring future attempts and protecting the populace from the scourge of drug abuse during one of the country’s most festive times.
