NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Loud Concealed in Microwaves and Lipsticks; Arrests Wanted Drug Kingpin, Destroys 28,000kg of Cannabis in Edo
Lagos, Nigeria – Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs cleverly concealed in imported household items and cosmetics, as part of a nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking networks. The agency also recorded multiple arrests and seizures across several states, including the apprehension of a long-wanted drug kingpin in Lagos.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, NDLEA officers uncovered 23 parcels of Loud, a potent cannabis strain, weighing 11.3kg, hidden inside microwaves imported from Thailand via Ethiopian Airlines on Monday, July 7. The seizure followed credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of one Ezenwegbu Chike in connection with the cargo.
In a similar development, NDLEA operatives at a courier service facility in Lagos intercepted 400 grams of cocaine ingeniously packed into lipstick tubes—part of a shipment containing hair attachments and cosmetics bound for Malabo, Guinea. The arrest of Ezeikwelume Prince Afam, a businessman operating from the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, followed on Friday, July 11.
This comes barely a week after officers uncovered 420 grams of cocaine factory-fitted into 84 pieces of lipstick destined for the UK, further revealing a disturbing trend in the concealment tactics used by traffickers.
Wanted Drug Kingpin Captured After a Year in Hiding
After a year-long manhunt, NDLEA's Special Operations Unit arrested Okechukwu Izugha (aka Okey Omeogo) on Wednesday, July 9, at Ijesha Market in Lagos. He had been on the run since August 7, 2024, when 9kg of cocaine was seized from a courier, Obiora Joseph Agudosi, en route to the Southeast.
Izugha was confirmed to be the owner of the drug consignment. His wife, Maureen Izugha, was earlier arrested with 500 grams of cocaine at her beverage shop and subsequently sentenced to two years in prison in January 2025.
Massive Cannabis Farms Destroyed in Edo
In Edo State, NDLEA officers raided three cannabis farms in Ewere Uzebba forest, Owan West LGA, destroying a total of 28,054kg of skunk cultivated over 11 hectares. An additional 82kg of processed cannabis was recovered. The operatives came under armed attack by cartel members during their exit but managed to repel the assault, although one operational vehicle was damaged by gunfire.
Multiple Raids Across States Yield Major Seizures
-
Lagos: NDLEA intercepted 1,400 compressed blocks of Ghana Loud cannabis weighing 700kg at Okun-Ajah Beach. Two suspects, Innocent Ejidiobo and Friday Paul, were arrested with 26kg of Ghana Loud, 123 grams of methamphetamine, and 45 grams of molly on the Ajah-Epe expressway.
-
Borno State: On July 12, operatives arrested Godwin Chimaobi Nwaobi (42) with 18,759 ampoules of pentazocine, tramadol, and rohypnol in Maiduguri. Earlier, on July 9, Abdulrahman Bello Ahmadu (34) was caught with 10,000 pills of tramadol.
-
Gombe State: A total of 116,226 pills of tramadol and D5 were seized from five suspects at Gombe main market and along Gombe-Kano Road.
-
Kogi State: Sabiu Bala was arrested on July 10 along Okene-Lokoja expressway with 316.6kg of skunk.
-
Kaduna State: Haladu Suleiman (38) was caught with 58.8kg of skunk in Gubuchi, Ikara LGA.
-
Taraba State: Three suspects were arrested on July 12 at Lanka Viri checkpoint with 577,890 pills of opioids and 1.16kg of skunk hidden in the tyre compartment of a petrol tanker.
-
Kano State: NDLEA nabbed three suspects—Shamsudini Abdullahi (35), Adamu Abdullahi (21), and Magaji Rabo (26)—with 48.1kg of skunk near Janguza Barracks on July 9.
NDLEA Intensifies WADA Advocacy Campaign
In addition to enforcement operations, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization across educational institutions and communities. Lectures were held in schools and traditional institutions across Cross River, Kano, Enugu, Lagos, Anambra, and Abia States, promoting awareness and prevention.
Marwa Commends Officers Nationwide
NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the efforts of officers in MMIA, SOU, Edo, Lagos, Taraba, Kano, Kogi, Gombe, Borno, and Kaduna Commands for their outstanding seizures and arrests. He praised their balanced approach in tackling both drug supply and demand, describing their work as essential in securing public health and safety.
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Sunday, 13th July 2025
No comments