The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in combating drug-related crimes, with recent operations leading to the bust of cocaine syndicates in Kano and Abuja. According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the agency successfully dismantled a syndicate dealing in cocaine and heroin in Kano, resulting in the arrest of 42-year-old Onyeka Uba at the Sabon Gari area. Babafemi revealed that 1.805 kilograms and seven grams of illicit substances were recovered from the suspect on Monday, March 18th.
In a separate operation, another suspect, Ubale Sani, aged 49, was apprehended with 51.5 kilograms of cannabis in the Chiromawa area of Kano. Additionally, operatives of a Special Operation Unit of the NDLEA disrupted the criminal activities of a cocaine syndicate in Abuja over the weekend, leading to the arrest of three leaders of the group.
The arrested individuals were identified as Nnajiofor Celestine Kenechukwu, aged 41, and Okoro Chigozie Christian, aged 35. They were apprehended on Friday, March 22nd, at Paint House Hotel in Gwarimpa, Abuja, with 718 grams of cocaine. A follow-up operation at the residence of Okoro Chigozie led to the recovery of 19 blocks of Arizona, a strain of cannabis, monetary exhibits totaling N545,500 and $250, as well as property documents. Two vehicles were also recovered during the operation.
Subsequent follow-up operations at the residence of Kenechukwu in Karu, Nasarawa State, resulted in the recovery of various quantities of Arizona and methamphetamine. Kenechukwu’s girlfriend and accomplice, Ifemenam Oge, was also arrested during the operation.
Meanwhile, the NDLEA launched massive raids across Lagos, Edo, and Ondo states, resulting in the seizure of over 44,948.1 kilograms (44.9 tonnes) of illicit drugs and the arrests of eight suspects. Additionally, 11 vehicles owned by drug cartels were seized during the operations.
In Ondo State, a total of 7,687.8 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed in a warehouse in Ala Forest, while 670 kilograms were evacuated. In Edo State, 14,310.8625 kilograms of the same psychoactive substance were razed on farms in Ohosu/Ugbogui Forest, resulting in the arrest of five suspects.
NDLEA operatives also conducted operations in Uzebba/Avbiosi Forest, where over 6,500 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed, and three suspects were arrested. In Okpuje Forest in Owan West LGA, 5,000 kilograms of the same substance were seized by NDLEA operatives with military support.
In Lagos, a well-coordinated operation led to the seizure of 10,534 kilograms (10.534 tonnes) of Ghanaian Loud, a strain of cannabis, in the Ajah area. Additionally, 11 vehicles were seized from the drug cartel during the operation.
The recent operations underscore NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria and dismantling drug syndicates operating within the country. The agency continues to intensify efforts to rid communities of illicit drugs and prosecute perpetrators involved in drug trafficking and distribution.
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