NDLEA Seizes Illicit Drugs Hidden in Water Purifiers from Europe, Intercepts Ammunition in Kaduna

NDLEA Seizes Illicit Drugs Hidden in Water Purifiers from Europe, Intercepts Ammunition in Kaduna

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered consignments of illicit drugs concealed in water purifier machines imported from the Netherlands, while also intercepting military-grade ammunition in Kaduna and arresting multiple suspects in separate anti-drug operations across the country.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking and related crimes, uncovering illicit drug consignments hidden in imported water purifier machines and intercepting military-grade ammunition in separate operations across Nigeria.

According to the agency, operatives discovered consignments of high-potency illicit drugs concealed in water purifier machines shipped from the Netherlands to Lagos. The seizure, made at a courier company in Lagos on May 26, included three kilograms of ketamine and 199 grams of MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, carefully hidden within the appliances.

In Kaduna State, NDLEA operatives arrested a couple, Musa Sunday and Mercy Sunday, alongside another suspect, Salomi Ezekiel, 38, following the recovery of 100 jumbo bags of skunk weighing a total of 1,246 kilograms from their residence in the Gonin Gora area of the state.

In another operation along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway near Jere, officers intercepted a 30-year-old suspect, Sunusi Musa, who was found in possession of 380 rounds of military-grade 7.62mm ammunition allegedly being transported to Katsina State. The suspect and the recovered ammunition have since been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation and action.

The agency also recorded a significant seizure in Niger State, where operatives acting on intelligence raided a warehouse in Gidan Kukah, Bosso Local Government Area. During the operation, 457 kilograms of skunk were recovered, while a suspect, Godwin Zakka, 46, was arrested at his residence in Gbeganu, Minna, in connection with the illicit consignment.

Similarly, in Enugu State, NDLEA officers on patrol along the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway intercepted a commercial vehicle travelling to Taraba State. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 22,000 tramadol pills, 100 ampoules of pentazocine, and 200 grams of bromazepam. One suspect, identified as James Maigari Wisdom, was arrested in connection with the seizure.

Beyond enforcement activities, the agency said its Commands and formations nationwide continued intensive public sensitisation under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. Awareness lectures were held in schools and communities, including Government Secondary School, Adiabo in Cross River State; St. Patrick's Memorial College, Wukari in Taraba State; Roman Catholic Mission Nursery and Primary School, Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos State; and Kings Secondary School, Amawbia in Anambra State.

Commending officers and personnel involved in the operations, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), praised the efforts of the Kaduna, Niger and Enugu Commands, as well as the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI), for their successes in drug supply reduction and public enlightenment initiatives.

Marwa urged officers across the country to remain steadfast in the fight against illicit drugs and continue combining enforcement actions with preventive education to safeguard communities from the dangers of substance abuse and trafficking.

The latest operations underscore the agency's intensified efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks, curb the circulation of illicit substances, and strengthen national security through coordinated enforcement and public awareness campaigns.