The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded major breakthroughs in its anti-drug operations, intercepting consignments of cocaine and cannabis (loud/skunk) while arresting several suspects, including a fashion designer.
In a statement released in Abuja, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos intercepted 2.80 kilograms of cocaine** hidden in food flasks bound for the United Kingdom via a Virgin Atlantic flight.
The illicit drugs were discovered in specially constructed compartments at the export section of the airport.
Authorities arrested two cargo agents linked to the shipment, while further investigation led to the arrest of a 52-year-old freight forwarder identified as the sender.
In a separate operation, NDLEA officers at the airport’s import section seized 2.90 kilograms of “Loud,” a potent cannabis strain, concealed in snack packages arriving from the United States
Two clearing agents were initially apprehended, followed by the arrest of the consignee, a 29-year-old fashion designer, at a location in Ogba, Lagos
Beyond Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted a large drug consignment along the Kaduna-Zaria highway, where a truck transporting cement was found to contain 847 kilograms of skunk hidden in blocks and jumbo bags.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested in connection with the seizure.
In Cross River State, a joint operation involving NDLEA officers and military personnel led to the arrest of a 53-year-old woman during a raid on a cannabis plantation in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
Authorities destroyed approximately 15,000 kilograms of cannabis cultivated across six hectares, while 119 kilograms were recovered.
Similarly, another cannabis farm in Edo State was dismantled, with over 2,200 kilograms of the substance destroyed and multiple suspects arrested
Additional arrests were made in Delta State where operatives recovered significant quantities of cannabis and seeds during targeted operations.
In Lagos, NDLEA officers also intercepted a truck along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway carrying 11,900 capsules of tramadol and 400 ampoules of phenobarbital injections destined for Ghana.
A separate raid on a building in Lagos Island led to the recovery of 95.8 kilograms of skunk.
The agency noted that its operations were complemented by ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) awareness campaigns conducted in schools, communities, and religious centres nationwide.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), commended officers across various commands for their efforts, urging them to sustain the momentum in both enforcement and public sensitisation.
