NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine from Returnee After 35 Years in Brazil, Busts Major Drug Rings Across Nigeria
Lagos – Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a businessman, Ezeokoli Sylva, with 700 grams of cocaine concealed in his stomach at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Sylva, 59, was arrested on Friday, November 29, 2024, upon his return from Sao Paulo, Brazil, via an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
Following a body scan at the airport's E-Arrival Hall, foreign objects were detected in his stomach. He was placed under excretion observation, leading to the recovery of 29 wraps of cocaine weighing 700 grams. Sylva confessed to purchasing the illicit drugs in Sao Paulo to sell in Nigeria to boost his African store business.
Cocaine, Pentazocine Intercepted in Lagos
In Lagos, NDLEA’s Directorate of Investigation and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted two drug consignments on November 26, destined for the United Kingdom via a courier company. The seized items included 200 grams of cocaine concealed in local fabrics and 40 ampoules of pentazocine injections weighing 110 grams hidden in cartons.
Massive Drug Seizures in Kano
In Kano, NDLEA operatives arrested three suspects—Jamilu Adamu, 38; Umar Musa, 32; and Bunu Ali, 27—on November 28 at Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria Road. The suspects were found with 2,000 ampoules of pentazocine injections and 3.1 million pills of exol-5.
Cannabis Trafficking Foiled in Lagos and Edo
On the Lagos waterfront at Ilesan Beach, 2,120 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, were intercepted on November 28. A suspect, Onibogi Muftau, was arrested, and four vehicles intended to transport the drugs were seized.
In Edo State, two suspects, Monday Onyenemue, 60, and Evans Omogiede, 42, were arrested on the same day in Benin City. NDLEA operatives recovered 185.6 kilograms of cannabis and a Toyota Previa bus during a raid on Ukuwague Street.
Nationwide Drug Sensitization Efforts
The NDLEA also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign nationwide. Sensitization activities were conducted in schools, markets, and worship centers, including lectures at Government Girls Secondary School, Kano; God’s Time College, Ekiti; and 8 Miles Market, Calabar.
NDLEA Chairman Commends Operatives
Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), applauded the efforts of the MMIA, DOGI, Lagos, Kano, and Edo Commands for their operational successes. He highlighted the agency’s balanced approach to combating drug supply and demand, emphasizing the importance of their work in curbing the menace of drug abuse and trafficking.
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Sunday, December 1, 2024
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