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NDLEA Intensifies Clampdown on Drug Traffickers, Makes String of High-Profile Arrests and Multimillion-Naira Seizures

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has embarked on a nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking, resulting in a series of impressive arrests and seizures across Nigeria. One of the most notable incidents involved the apprehension of Ezemokwe Chukwuebuka Christian, a 44-year-old businessman, at the Port Harcourt International Airport for attempting to smuggle cocaine to the Islamic Republic of Iran. This arrest came on the heels of another high-profile seizure, where 60-year-old Chinedu Leonard Okigbo was caught at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with 65 pellets of cocaine concealed in his stomach. The NDLEA's efforts have been relentless, with multiple operations resulting in the interception of illicit substances and the arrest of several suspects.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NDLEA has made a string of high-profile arrests, including a 44-year-old businessman, Ezemokwe Chukwuebuka Christian, for attempting to smuggle cocaine to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
  • Christian was caught at the Port Harcourt International Airport on June 7 while trying to board a flight to Tehran, and was found to have ingested 53 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.172 kilogrammes.
  • Another businessman, Chinedu Leonard Okigbo, 60, was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on June 14 with 65 pellets of cocaine concealed in his stomach.
  • The NDLEA also intercepted 14,410 tramadol pills at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, hidden inside winter jackets.
  • A container carrying 157,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup was seized at the Port Harcourt Ports in Onne, Rivers State, estimating a street value exceeding N1 billion.
  • 2,687 kilogrammes of skunk were discovered in a warehouse in Cross River State, and 195 blocks of skunk weighing 287 kilogrammes were found in a vehicle in Bauchi State.
  • In Lagos, operatives recovered 14 jumbo sacks of skunk weighing 560 kilogrammes from a wooden boat at Oniru beach.
  • Two businessmen, Ishaku Abdullahi and Buba Usman, were caught at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri with ecstasy pills and skunk disguised in fancy wrappings.

Statistics:

  • 53 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.172 kilogrammes were found in Ezemokwe Chukwuebuka Christian's stomach.
  • 65 pellets of cocaine were concealed in Chinedu Leonard Okigbo's stomach.
  • 14,410 tramadol pills were intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
  • 157,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup were seized at the Port Harcourt Ports in Onne, Rivers State, with an estimated street value exceeding N1 billion.
  • 2,687 kilogrammes of skunk were discovered in a warehouse in Cross River State.
  • 195 blocks of skunk weighing 287 kilogrammes were found in a vehicle in Bauchi State.
  • 14 jumbo sacks of skunk weighing 560 kilogrammes were recovered from a wooden boat at Oniru beach in Lagos.
  • Two businessmen, Ishaku Abdullahi and Buba Usman, were caught at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri with ecstasy pills and skunk.

Sources:

  • Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesman, statement on Sunday.
  • Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA.
  • "NDLEA Arrests Businessman for Attempting to Smuggle Cocaine to Iran" (The Punch, June 7).
  • "NDLEA Seizes 65 Pellets of Cocaine in Passenger's Stomach" (The Guardian, June 14).
  • "NDLEA Arrests 2 for Smuggling Tramadol into Nigeria" (Leadership, June 15).
  • "NDLEA Seizes 157,800 Bottles of Codeine-Based Syrup in Rivers State" (Daily Trust, June 17).
  • "NDLEA Uncovers 2,687 kilogrammes of Skunk in Cross River State" (Punch, June 12).
  • "NDLEA Seizes 195 Blocks of Skunk in Bauchi State" (Daily Trust, June 12).

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