NDLEA Intercepts N3.3bn Meth, Cannabis Shipments Concealed in Auto Parts from Canada
- Arrests Three Suspects in Lagos, Seizes N4.4bn Worth of Opioids in Rivers
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted illegal drugs worth over N3.3 billion, including methamphetamine and a synthetic strain of cannabis known as Loud, concealed in automobile spare parts imported from Canada. The shipments, allegedly intended for distribution during the festive season, were seized at the Tincan Port in Lagos after months of intelligence-driven tracking across three continents.
For the first time in its operations, the NDLEA recovered two separate methamphetamine consignments weighing a total of 83.301kg on Thursday, 12th December, and Friday, 13th December 2024, from containers containing vehicles and spare parts. The containers were en route to warehouses in the Ladipo auto parts market, Mushin, Lagos.
In the first seizure on Thursday, 5.001kg of methamphetamine, hidden in a bag wrapped in a bedsheet and transported in a Toyota Camry, was discovered at the Sifax bonded terminal. A businessman, Isaac Onwumere, linked to the consignment, was arrested.
The second seizure on Friday revealed 1,735 parcels of Loud weighing 867.5kg, packed in 44 jumbo bags, alongside six coolers containing 78.3kg of methamphetamine. Two suspects, Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe, were apprehended in connection with the shipment.
The seized drugs are valued at over N2.2 billion for the Loud cannabis and N124.95 million for the methamphetamine.
Detailed Tracking of Shipments
The methamphetamine shipment, under surveillance since 4th October 2024, was tracked from Toronto, Canada, through Montreal and Antwerp, Belgium, before arriving in Lagos on 1st December. Similarly, the Loud cannabis and methamphetamine consignment followed the same route and was tracked until its arrival at Lagos Port on 6th December.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, seized 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth N4.4 billion. The shipments, originating from India, were intercepted on Monday, 9th December, Wednesday, 11th December, and Friday, 13th December during joint examinations with Customs and other security agencies at the Onne Port Complex.
Continuous Anti-Drug Campaign
In addition to these operations, NDLEA officers have continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, holding sensitization programs in schools, communities, and workplaces across the country. These include lectures in schools in Lagos, Anambra, Adamawa, and Kano, as well as enlightenment programs in communities such as Tapa in Oyo State.
NDLEA's Commitment to Drug Control
Commending the officers for their diligence, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) warned drug barons and cartels of the agency’s ability to track and intercept illicit consignments globally. He emphasized that the NDLEA remains committed to dismantling drug networks and urged criminals to abandon the trade to avoid further losses.
The NDLEA has called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and support the agency's efforts to rid the country of illegal drugs.
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
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