The recent arrest of a suspected drug trafficker by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has exposed a devious attempt to smuggle illicit substances across our borders. The individual, posing as a construction engineer, was apprehended while attempting to collect a consignment from South Africa.
The case, disclosed by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, highlights that the illicit drugs were concealed in pressurising machines. The 42-year-old suspect was arrested at Okeyson Park in Enugu while he was collecting three units of pressurising machines inside which were concealed parcels of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, weighing 7.40kg.
The parcels were received at the importation shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos on November 29. Following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives monitored the consignment throughout the customs clearance processes. They then tracked the cargo to a logistics company warehouse outside the airport, where it was to be collected by the consignee.
However, the consignee changed the collection point at the last minute to Enugu. As a result, NDLEA operatives arrested Egwu when he showed up to collect the consignments.
In another incident, 511,000 tramadol pills were seized by NDLEA operations in Adamawa. The occupants of a Siena vehicle attempted to flee by abandoning the vehicle when they saw the NDLEA team.
In another incident, two suspects carrying 108 bags of cannabis were arrested on Ise-Emure road in Nigeria. The drug, weighing 1,323kg, was to be transported to the North for distribution. Other seizures of psychoactive substances were also made in different localities, highlighting the NDLEA’s continued efforts to combat drug abuse.
In parallel with these field operations, sensitizations were conducted in schools, places of worship, workplaces and communities across the country as part of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
General Buba Marwa, Chairman of the NDLEA, commended the work of the officers involved in these operations and encouraged efforts to combat drug trafficking and sensitize the population on the dangers of illicit substance abuse.
These recent arrests and seizures underscore the NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting the population from the ravages of drug abuse. Continued strengthening of security measures and sensitization campaigns is crucial for a safer and healthier Nigeria for all.