In a statement issued on Sunday by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), it was revealed that a total of 156,575 tramadol pills and other illicit drugs were seized in multiple locations across five states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the last two weeks.
According to NDLEA’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the states where the seizures were made are Enugu, Anambra, Ondo, Lagos, and Ogun. Among the significant discoveries was the apprehension of two suspects, Abdulrazak Bala and Lawal Salisu, who were found in possession of at least 156,380 tramadol pills.
The agency’s operations also led to the discovery of a “Skuchies” factory in Sagamu, Ogun State, where one Femi Isiaka was arrested on Thursday, July 26. During the raid, the operatives recovered 37kg of Indian hemp, 195 tramadol pills, 5,000 tablets of Diazepam, and 216 tablets of Rophynol. Additionally, 204 liters of “skuchies,” four fridges, four gas cylinders, and one industrial cooker were seized.
At the Apapa seaport in Lagos, a container carrying nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, was seized on Tuesday, July 25. The shipment, linked to a 30-year-old businessman named Stephen Eze, contained 8,336 canisters of nitrous oxide and pressure release nozzles. It is worth noting that two previous shipments of laughing gas imported from China were also seized on July 13 at the same port.
In another operation, two suspects, Francis Diamond (26) and Adekunle Damilola (26), were arrested in Ita-Ogbolu Forest, Ondo State, while in possession of 247.5kg of Indian hemp. Meanwhile, a Volkswagen Golf Car carrying 308kg of Indian hemp was intercepted at Airport Junction on Akure-Ogbese Road on Wednesday, July 26, and a suspect, Farouk Umar (38), was apprehended.
In Enugu State, a 32-year-old suspect, Chukwuma Nnaji, was arrested with 47kg of “Skunk” in a warehouse at Onuogba Eke, Ishielu Local Government Area. Furthermore, twelve kilograms of the same substance were recovered from a lockup shop during the raid.
Moreover, in Anambra, a grandpa identified as Boniface Ogwurlobi (62) and Chimezie Onyenjuru were arrested in Uli town, Ihiala Local Government Area, with 49.415kg of Indian hemp, 127.7 grams of methamphetamine, and 15 grams of cocaine. Additionally, the 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, transferred three suspects, Olasande Olutosin, Oleh Chiagozie, and Obamuro Baiyeri, who were arrested with 2,608.3kg of Indian hemp, to the NDLEA. The truck transporting the substance to the Lagos State Command of the NDLEA was also intercepted on Tuesday, July 25.
These recent operations reflect the NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria, safeguarding communities, and ensuring the nation’s wellbeing. The agency continues to work tirelessly to dismantle drug networks and prevent the illicit circulation of dangerous substances.