NDLEA seizes N3.4bn worth of tramadol, cannabis, opioids in nationwide raids

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted over 1.3 million tablets and capsules of tramadol and other opioids, alongside about 6,000kg of cannabis, in operations across several states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The agency said the seizures, made in different operations, are worth more than N3.4bn.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted 1,200 parcels of Canadian Loud weighing 603.75kg and valued at N1.81bn at the Tin-Can Island Port. The shipment arrived from Montreal, Canada, on September 12 and was searched on September 16 in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.

The drugs were allegedly concealed in 31 black jumbo bags inside two Toyota Sienna vehicles loaded in a 40-foot container.

In Delta State, 49-year-old Innocent Ekpe was arrested along the Benin-Onitsha Expressway in Asaba with 292.48kg of skunk. According to the NDLEA, Ekpe allegedly posed as Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Emeka and used a forged police identification card to evade checkpoints. His alleged accomplice, 39-year-old Nduka Joseph, was also arrested.

In Edo State, 45-year-old Matthew Ossai was arrested at an auto-repair workshop in Benin City with 48kg of Canadian Loud and 152g of methamphetamine.

Meanwhile, three suspects were arrested along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Niger State, where NDLEA operatives recovered two locally made AK-47 rifles, a magazine, a locally made pistol, another magazine and nine rounds of 9mm ammunition.

In Lagos, 48,900 tablets of tramadol 225mg were recovered from Onyeka Ofor, while Luke Ugokwe was arrested following the interception of 59kg of cannabis. Another suspect, 43-year-old Ibrahim Hudu, was arrested with 998.38kg of nitrous oxide gas.

In Gombe State, 154,480 capsules of tramadol were recovered from 27-year-old Sabi’u Umar and 19-year-old Hassana Muhammad. In Imo State, 25-year-old Ifesinachi Godwin was arrested with 43.85kg of skunk.

In Ondo State, four suspects were arrested during a raid on a cannabis farm in Ita-Ogbolu Forest. NDLEA officials also destroyed about 5,000kg of cannabis plants covering two hectares and recovered 48kg of dry and fresh cannabis.