The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized multi-billion-naira worth of methamphetamine and “Loud,” a potent strain of synthetic cannabis, intended for distribution during the Christmas and New Year celebrations
The contraband, concealed in automobile spare parts shipped from Canada, was intercepted at the Tincan seaport in Lagos after months of intelligence-driven tracking across three continents.
For the first time in NDLEA’s history, two separate consignments of methamphetamine, weighing a combined 83.301 kilograms, were recovered from containers carrying vehicles and spare parts. These containers were destined for warehouses in the Ladipo automobile parts market in Lagos. The operation also uncovered 867.5kg of Loud, packed in 44 jumbo bags, with a street value of over N2.16 billion.
Suspects
Key arrests include businessmen Isaac Onwumere, Nwanolue Emeka, and Friday Ogbe, all linked to the seized consignments. NDLEA’s intelligence network meticulously monitored the shipments from Toronto, Canada, through Antwerp, Belgium, and finally to Lagos. The agency worked in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other port stakeholders to execute the bust.
Simultaneously, NDLEA operatives at Onne Port in Rivers State intercepted 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth over N4.45 billion in shipments from India. These seizures highlight NDLEA’s extensive intelligence capabilities and its commitment to dismantling drug cartels.
Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers involved, emphasizing that these operations demonstrate the agency’s ability to track and intercept narcotics before they infiltrate Nigerian markets. “Drug cartels must realize they cannot outsmart our intelligence network. They will continue to suffer heavy losses if they persist in this criminal trade,” Marwa stated.
As part of its broader War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, the NDLEA also conducted sensitization programs nationwide, reaching schools, workplaces, and communities. Highlights include lectures at Government Secondary School, Toungo, Adamawa; Bonny Camp Primary School, Lagos; and Tapa community in Oyo State. These efforts aim to educate citizens about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a drug-free society.
fasnewsng.com, a trusted media platform and NDLEA partner for over five years, highlighted the agency’s unprecedented successes in combating drug trafficking. This partnership continues to amplify awareness about the agency’s operations and the societal dangers of narcotics.
These major busts underscore the agency’s resolute commitment to safeguarding Nigeria from the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking, particularly during the festive season.
