A recent incident at the Lagos airport has highlighted the ongoing efforts of the National Narcotics and Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria to combat drug trafficking.
The case in question involves an individual who was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport while attempting to board a flight to Madrid, Spain. The operatives discovered 1.20 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the soles of his sandals. According to information provided by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, the suspect confessed that the drugs were given to him at a bar in Port Harcourt and that he was to deliver them to a friend in Spain for a sum of five thousand euros upon delivery.
Meanwhile, another arrest was made in connection with the seizure of 99 parcels of cannabis “Canadian Loud”, a synthetic variety of marijuana, weighing 51.60 kilograms. The drugs were discovered on arrival of a Turkish Airlines flight from Canada via Istanbul, Turkey. This seizure underscores the importance of efforts to control drug trafficking through international airports.
In addition, special operations targeting networks specializing in the shipment of large quantities of opioids to neighboring countries resulted in the arrest of one of the main players, Chukwuemeka Obodozie. Conspirators attempting to smuggle drugs in smaller quantities through transport companies were also uncovered. Obodozie was arrested in Lagos while returning from Ghana with 100,000 Tramadol 225 mg tablets, concealed in two bags.
These arrests and drug seizures demonstrate the importance of international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and the need for increased vigilance at airports and transport routes. The NDLEA continues its efforts to dismantle criminal networks and ensure public safety in the country.