The Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been actively combating drug trafficking across the country, with significant successes in recent weeks. In a major operation, the NDLEA destroyed over 100,000 kilograms (220,462 lbs) of cannabis in the Ekiti forest, located in southwestern Nigeria. Supported by the Nigerian Army, NDLEA operatives raided three camps within the Ise-Ekiti Forest Reserve, uncovering vast cannabis plantations across 51 hectares of land. The agency also arrested two individuals in connection with the operation, seizing 305 kg and 18 kg of cannabis respectively. Additionally, two other suspects were apprehended with 1300 tablets of tramadol.
Simultaneously, during the first week of September, the NDLEA intercepted shipments of illicit drugs destined for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus. These shipments, cleverly concealed among seemingly harmless items such as ladies’ sanitary napkins, hair beauty products, and food items, were discovered at three courier firms in Lagos. Notably, nearly 2 kilograms of cocaine were found hidden within hair cream containers, with some destined for Ireland and others for the UK. The agency also discovered 525 tramadol and ecstasy pills en route to Cyprus, along with 200 ampoules of promethazine and pentazocine injection concealed in food items and herbs bound for London.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended the successful operations across the country and urged all agencies involved to continue their efforts in reducing the flow of illegal drugs. The agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking has led to the disruption of numerous drug smuggling attempts and the arrest of various drug dealers. This successful campaign demonstrates the NDLEA’s unwavering resolve to tackle the drug trade in Nigeria and protect the country from its harmful consequences.
