Businessman Apprehended with Heroin and Cocaine
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has detained a 48-year-old businessman, Orizu Ifeanyi Arthur, as he was about to board an Air France flight from Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to Paris. Arthur was caught with 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine concealed inside his body.
Body Scan Refusal Leads to Arrest
On Sunday, December 22, 2024, during the pre-flight security screening, Orizu declined a body scan, citing medical reasons. This refusal led to his immediate detention for observation, where over seven days, he excreted the drugs.
Admission of Intent
Orizu confessed to owning a shop in Lagos’s Balogun market, dealing in school and travel bags. He claimed he was lured into smuggling with the promise of 3,000 Euros upon successful delivery in Paris. He had traveled from Lagos to Abuja specifically to catch his flight.
NDLEA Intercepts Massive Drug Shipment at Lekki Beach
Christmas Eve Drug Bust at Eleko Beach
In a significant operation on Christmas Eve, NDLEA’s Marine Command intercepted two vessels carrying 1,960 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a potent form of cannabis, at Eleko beach in Lekki, Lagos.
Six Foreign Nationals Arrested
The operation led to the arrest of six foreign nationals, including two Ghanaians and four from Benin, who were directly involved in transporting the drugs from Ghana to Nigeria.
NDLEA Operations Continue Across Nigeria
Cannabis Seizures in Katsina
In Katsina, two individuals were arrested for possessing cannabis. Ibrahim Shaibu was caught with 35kg at the Central Motor Park on Christmas Day, while Umar Ahmed was apprehended with 13.5kg along Zaria-Malumfashi road on December 28.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: NDLEA Intercepts N3.3 Billion Worth of Drug Shipments at Tincan Seaport in Lagos
Drug Raid in Benin City
In another operation, the NDLEA in Edo state raided a location in Benin City, leading to the arrest of 21-year-old Kosisochukwu Ozigbo, from whom they seized a large quantity of tramadol, codeine syrup, and other opioids.
Community Outreach and Education
Beyond enforcement, NDLEA has been actively engaging in community education through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. Lectures and advocacy efforts have been conducted in various settings across different states, including Lagos and Adamawa, aiming to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse.
Praise for NDLEA Operations
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, the NDLEA Chairman, commended the teams involved in these operations and encouraged continued vigilance and educational efforts into the new year.
