NDLEA Seizes Cocaine Bound for China, Italy, Arrests Suspected Bandits’ Supplier

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted consignments of cocaine concealed in export packages destined for China and Italy, while also arresting a suspected supplier of illicit drugs to criminal elements in Zamfara State.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi said the cocaine consignments were discovered by officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) during operations at a logistics company in Lagos on Thursday.

According to him, 250 grams of cocaine had been factory-fitted into the base of a local mortar packed in a carton for export to China, while another 500 grams were hidden in the false bottom of a backpack being shipped to Italy.

In Rivers State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 38-year-old suspected drug dealer at Eagle Island, Port Harcourt, following intelligence reports.

The suspect was allegedly found in possession of various quantities of cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, swinol, tramadol and codeine syrup during his arrest on July 26.

Babafemi also said NDLEA officers conducting a stop-and-search operation at the DMGS Roundabout in Onitsha, Anambra State, intercepted a truck with registration number XK 131 BDG on July 27.

He said the vehicle was loaded with 26,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 3,960 kilograms, while the driver was taken into custody.

In Delta State, operatives recovered 331.84 kilograms of skunk from a Toyota Sienna bus with registration number KUJ 26 DV along the Kwale-Ughelli Expressway on July 26.

Similarly, NDLEA officers in Nasarawa State arrested a 64-year-old suspect at Asso Angwan Muazu in Karu Local Government Area, where 68 kilograms of skunk and 29 grams of methamphetamine were recovered.

Babafemi further revealed that operatives on patrol along the Zaria-Gusau Highway in Zamfara State intercepted a suspect carrying 7,400 tablets of tramadol 225mg, believed to be intended for criminal groups.

He said the agency also sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign across schools, workplaces, transport parks and communities nationwide.

The awareness programmes were held at institutions including Hausawa Special Primary School in Kano, Royal Crown School in Oluyole, Ibadan, Government Secondary School in Ibi, Taraba State, and among drivers at Challenge Bus Terminal Park in Ibadan.

Babafemi added that the Chairman of NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, commended officers involved in the operations and urged personnel nationwide to sustain the agency’s balanced approach to drug supply reduction and public enlightenment efforts.