NDLEA Seizes ₦16.1bn Worth of Super-Strong Opioid in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria.

On September 17 and 20, the agency intercepted 25 million pills of tapentadol, an opioid three times stronger than tramadol, along with 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup at the Tincan port complex in Lagos.

The total street value of these seizures is estimated at ₦16.1 billion.

Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesman, revealed that the seizures were made from three containers that had been under surveillance following processed intelligence.

"The 25 million pills of tapentadol have an estimated street value of ₦13.7 billion, while the codeine consignment is valued at ₦2.4 billion," Babafemi stated.

In addition to this major bust, the NDLEA also arrested an 80-year-old man named Aremu Shojobi in Lagos. Shojobi was found with 14kg of cannabis at his home in the Iyana Ipaja area.

He admitted to having been involved in the illicit drug trade for 25 years, sourcing his supplies from the Benin Republic and selling them locally.

The agency's efforts extended beyond Lagos. In Kogi state, officers intercepted 700,000 pills of exol-5, which were being transported from Lagos for distribution in Kano and Kaduna.

Babafemi emphasized the importance of these operations, saying, "These seizures underscore the persistent challenges posed by the illegal drug trade and the NDLEA's commitment to addressing these issues."