NDLEA Busts Cocaine Syndicates, Seizes Multi-Billion-Naira Drugs in Raids Across Nation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has executed a series of nationwide raids, resulting in the dismantling of a drug cartel and the recovery of multi-billion-naira worth of cocaine.

The NDLEA's operations were intelligence-led, targeting various logistics companies and transportation networks across the country.

According to report on August 11, 2024, "Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA have smashed a drug cartel following the recovery of multi-billion-naira worth of cocaine concealed in heavy-duty automobile pivot shafts, and Ghanaian fabric, Kente, among others following a nationwide intelligence-led operation."

The raids led to several high-profile seizures:

On August 5, 2024, 2.32 kilograms of cocaine concealed in Ghanaian traditional kente materials destined for the United Kingdom were intercepted.

Additionally, 10.494 kilograms of cocaine hidden in heavy-duty pivot shafts bound for the United States were recovered. These seizures were facilitated by NDLEA sniffer dogs, bringing the total weight of cocaine seized in these shipments to 12.814 kilograms.

On August 9, 2024, five other consignments heading to the US, UK, and Canada were intercepted at the same courier firm in Lagos. At Tincan seaport in Lagos, 532 parcels of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 265.25 kg, were intercepted in a black Toyota Sienna bus from Montreal, Canada. The following day, another 75 parcels weighing 37.5 kg were seized from a container marked FSCU-9274613, also from Canada.

The NDLEA's efforts extended beyond seizures to include multiple arrests: On August 7, 2024, Obiora Joseph Agudosi was arrested in Lagos while attempting to move 9.00 kg of cocaine to Onitsha, Anambra state.

Follow-up operations on August 8, 2024, led to the arrest of two more syndicate members in Nnewi and Oba town, Anambra state. Harrison Mbachu, 44, was arrested with 2.865 kg of cocaine. Izuchkwu Arinze, 40, and Ameachi Okoro, 39, were also apprehended while attempting to collect their consignments.

These operations are part of the NDLEA's broader War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which includes public sensitization efforts. The agency conducted various WADA activities, such as enlightenment lectures and community drug control committee inaugurations in different states. Brig.

Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the officers involved, stating, “With the same drive, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.”