NDLEA Intercepts US, Europe-Bound Drugs Hidden In Shoe Soles, N16.6bn Opioids At Seaports [Photos]

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made pivotal strides in combating drug trafficking in Nigeria, as evidenced by recent operations that led to the interception of drugs worth N16.6 billion.

According to a statement by NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi on October 27, 2024, operatives seized 26,250,000 pills of tramadol and 508,400 bottles of codeine-based syrup at the Tincan port in Lagos and Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

These seizures were part of a joint examination with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies conducted between October 22 and October 23.

In addition to these seizures, the NDLEA also intercepted 10 million tablets of Toradol Benzhexol and 28 plastic drums of methamphetamine weighing 700 kg. Furthermore, 56 parcels of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 28 kg, were recovered from a container arriving from Canada.

A suspect, Tsolaye Eburajolo, was arrested in connection with the cannabis seizure, and a bribe of N10 million offered to NDLEA officers was retained as evidence for prosecution.

Moreover, the agency's operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos intercepted consignments of opioids concealed in shoe soles and hair attachments destined for the United States, United Kingdom, and Cyprus.

On October 12, 2,118 pills of tramadol hidden in the soles of 13 pairs of shoes were seized at the airport's export shed. A follow-up operation in Enugu on October 24 led to the recovery of an additional 380 tablets from the sender's home, along with cash amounting to N968,880 and a Toyota Avalon car.