N16.6 Billion Worth of Illicit Drugs Seized at Lagos and Rivers Seaports

_N16.6 Billion Worth of Illicit Drugs Seized at Lagos and Rivers Seaports_

In a major blow to transnational drug cartels, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 26,250,000 pills of tramadol and 508,400 bottles of codeine-based syrup at the Tincan port in Lagos and Port Harcourt, Port Onne in Rivers state. The seized drugs have a street value of N16.6 billion.

The operation, which took place between Tuesday, October 22, and Wednesday, October 23, was a joint effort between the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other security agencies. The agencies conducted a 100% examination of watch-listed containers, yielding significant results.

According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the joint examination led to the recovery of substantial quantities of illicit substances. Among the seized items were 10 million tablets of Toradol Benzhexol and 28 plastic drums of methamphetamine weighing 700 kg at Tincan and Onne, respectively.

Furthermore, 56 parcels of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 28 kg, were recovered from a container that arrived at the Lagos port from Canada. A suspect, Tsolaye Eburajolo, 40, was arrested in connection with the cannabis seizure. Interestingly, a bribe of N10 million paid to NDLEA officers to free the suspect has been kept as evidence for prosecution.

In another significant bust, NDLEA operatives intercepted 2,118 pills of tramadol concealed in the soles of 13 pairs of shoes bound for Cyprus at the Lagos airport on October 12. A follow-up operation in Enugu on Thursday, October 24, led to the recovery of an additional 380 tablets from the sender, Okenwa Uchenna. Cash of N968,880 and a Toyota Avalon car marked UWN 389 AS were also recovered from the suspect.

Moreover, NDLEA operatives seized 293 ampoules of promethazine and pentazocine injection and 1.690kg cannabis and tramadol tablets concealed in hair attachments and soles of shoes. These illicit substances were destined for the United States, United Kingdom, and Oman and were intercepted at three courier firms in Lagos on Thursday, October 2.

The NDLEA's efforts demonstrate its commitment to combating drug trafficking and reducing the availability of illicit substances in Nigeria. The agency's actions are crucial in mitigating the harmful effects of drug abuse on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.

This significant seizure is a testament to the effectiveness of the NDLEA's collaborative efforts with other security agencies and its determination to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs. As the agency continues to intensify its operations, drug cartels and traffickers will face increased pressure, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier society.