The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has struck a significant blow to a major international drug trafficking syndicate spanning Nigeria, South Africa, and Thailand. In a meticulously planned two-week operation, the agency successfully dismantled the syndicate, apprehending five key members and seizing a substantial quantity of illegal narcotics.
The NDLEA disclosed the operation’s details in a press release issued on Sunday. The agency’s meticulous groundwork, involving surveillance and intelligence gathering, played a pivotal role in the operation’s success. Their efforts targeted not only drug shipments arriving at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) but also individuals involved in the distribution network across multiple Nigerian states.
The operation commenced on April 20th with the arrival of four suspicious suitcases at the MMIA cargo terminal. Originating from Johannesburg, South Africa, on an Air Peace flight, these suitcases drew attention due to their peculiar design. Following days of close surveillance, NDLEA officers apprehended the first suspect, Umeh Peter, on April 24th as he attempted to collect two of the suitcases. Inside were 17.6 kilograms of a potent cannabis variant known as “Loud,” sourced from a Thailand-based syndicate member named Obum Michael. The drugs were cunningly concealed within the suitcases’ false bottoms. This seizure also included various drug-infused candies.
Subsequently, the investigation led NDLEA officers to Anambra State, where another syndicate member, Chiwendu Ugbe, was arrested on April 27th. Ugbe was in the process of collecting drug parcels dispatched by her husband, Aloytus Ugbe, based in South Africa.
Further arrests followed in Lagos, with Onyejakor Francis Chimezie and Naaji Valentine Chukwukere apprehended. These arrests provided crucial leads, culminating in the capture of Chinazo Osigwe in Abia State. Osigwe was intercepted while attempting to collect parcels containing Loud and drug-infused candies dispatched by her husband, Osigwe Chidiebere Anthony, operating from South Africa.
The NDLEA’s triumph extended beyond the airport operation. On May 1st, agency operatives intercepted a gas tanker on the Abuja-Abaji highway, uncovering a staggering 4,752 kilograms of cannabis sativa concealed within the fuel tank. Four individuals were arrested in connection with this seizure.
Additionally, NDLEA operations across various states resulted in the arrest of numerous suspects found in possession of significant quantities of illegal drugs, including cannabis sativa, codeine syrup, tramadol, and cocaine. Notably, an ex-convict named Suleiman Usman was apprehended in Osun State with a cache of cocaine and cannabis.
Further operations included the seizure of 64 kilograms of cannabis from a car at the Seme border in Lagos, along with the arrest of the driver. In Bauchi State, operatives nabbed suspects carrying substantial quantities of codeine and opioids. Similar operations in Benue and Bayelsa States led to the arrest of individuals in possession of significant amounts of cannabis.
This comprehensive operation underscores the NDLEA’s steadfast commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders. The successful arrests and significant drug seizures serve as a potent deterrent to individuals involved in illicit drug activities.
