NDLEA Arrests Businessman for Ingesting Cocaine at Enugu Airport; Dismantles Multiple Drug Syndicates Across Nigeria
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, making significant arrests and seizures nationwide.
Businessman Nabbed for Swallowing Cocaine
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu, apprehended a 50-year-old businessman, Osuoha Christian Iheanacho, who ingested 90 wraps of cocaine. Osuoha was intercepted upon arrival from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following months of surveillance. He egested 2.019 kilograms of cocaine over seven excretions during observation.
Investigations revealed that Osuoha, who operates a phone accessories business in Lagos and Gabon, had traveled through Gabon and Cameroon before arriving in Enugu. He admitted resorting to drug trafficking to rescue his struggling business.
Major Busts in Lagos: Cocaine Syndicates Dismantled
On Thursday, November 21, a special operations team arrested a cocaine cartel leader, Ndive Maxwell Obinna, and five associates at Ago Palace Way, Lagos, recovering 2.412 kilograms of cocaine. The suspects included Gloria Ifeoma Okeke, the syndicate's stash keeper, and other accomplices: Emmanuel Chibuzor Ikechebelu, Onyedikachi Okorie, Nnabugo Prince Okonkwo, and Blessing Anita Okafor.
In another operation, a Chinese national, Tianzhen Yen, alias Jackie, was arrested in Ikeja. His syndicate, linked to trans-border drug trafficking, was exposed after officers intercepted 750 grams of cocaine on a suspect en route to Ghana. Items recovered from Yen’s hotel included cocaine, methamphetamine, weighing scales, and identification documents.
Seizures at Ports and Nationwide Raids
At the Tincan and Onne seaports, NDLEA operatives intercepted synthetic cannabis, codeine syrup, and tramadol worth over N4.3 billion during joint examinations with the Nigeria Customs Service. The drugs were concealed in imported vehicles and containers.
Other significant raids across the country included:
- 1,200.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa seized in Edo State, with multiple suspects arrested.
- Arrests in Kano and Bauchi involving cannabis weighing 45kg and 124kg, respectively.
- A physically challenged woman apprehended in Ekiti with 286 grams of cannabis variants.
WADA Sensitization Activities
In addition to enforcement, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, engaging schools, communities, and workplaces nationwide to educate citizens on the dangers of drug abuse.
Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the operatives for their relentless efforts, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to reducing drug supply and demand in Nigeria
Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
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