In a significant breakthrough, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended three members of an organized criminal group involved in illicit drug trafficking spanning across Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Europe, and America.
This follows the recent interception of the largest-ever haul of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
During a meticulously planned operation that commenced on February 10th, 2024, at the SAHCO Import Shed of the airport’s Cargo Terminal, a staggering 51.90 kilograms of heroin were seized from the syndicate.
According to the spokesman for the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the illicit substance was ingeniously concealed within 15 cartons of 2300-watt metal cutting machines.
Further investigation led to the discovery of an additional 2.2kg of heroin at the syndicate’s warehouse in the Ayobo area of Lagos.
He said, the NDLEA’s relentless pursuit of justice has also resulted in the arrest of key members of the syndicate.
Notably, Onyinyechi Irene Igbokwuputa and Frankline Uzochukwu were apprehended in Lagos and Awka, Anambra state, on April 19th.
Another wanted member, Osita Emmanuel Obinna, was equally captured in Lagos.
In a separate incident, NDLEA officers thwarted an attempt to smuggle drugs through Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport on April 18th.
Suspect Iheakara Ifeanyichukwu Festus was apprehended with 20 parcels of cannabis weighing 9.80kg concealed in his luggage. The Agency says, Festus confessed to being hired as a courier with a promised payment of N1,200,000 upon successful delivery in Oman.
In a series of coordinated operations across various states, NDLEA operatives intercepted a significant quantity of opioids and cannabis.
A Peugeot car carrying 1,250,000 pills of opioids was intercepted in Adamawa state, while suspects transporting cannabis in a Toyota Picnic car were apprehended in Bayelsa state.
Furthermore, NDLEA efforts led to the arrest of individuals involved in drug-related activities in Ondo, Imo, and other states, with substantial quantities of narcotics seized and illicit operations dismantled.
The agency continues to demonstrate its commitment to combating drug trafficking and securing communities against the scourge of illicit substances.