NDLEA arrests India-bound nursing student, others in possession of cocaine

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has foiled an attempt by 26-year-old Esther Onyinyechi Uzodinma, a nursing student at Noida International University, India, to smuggle cocaine.
Esther was apprehended on January 16, 2025, at Royal Park Hotel, Kano, hours before her scheduled flight to India via Qatar Airways.
NDLEA operatives intercepted 31-year-old Cosmas Okorie on the Okene-Lokoja highway, uncovering 76 wraps of cocaine concealed in an audio speaker. Okorie was en route to deliver the drugs to Esther. Following this lead, the nursing student was arrested, revealing that she had been recruited by a drug cartel in India. She admitted she was promised $5,000 to deliver the drugs.
Nationwide Raids and Arrests
The NDLEA conducted multiple operations across Nigeria, resulting in significant arrests and seizures:

- Kogi State: Four suspects intercepted with over 38,000 tramadol pills concealed in audio speakers.
- Lagos State: Raids in Ojodu-Berger and Alimosho areas led to arrests and the recovery of cannabis, tramadol, and vehicles used for distribution.
- Lekki, Lagos: Two suspects were found with 28kg of Canadian Loud.
- Kano State: Several arrests yielded skunk, rubber solution, and bottles of psychoactive substances.
- Kwara and Taraba States: Raids uncovered cannabis, tramadol pills, and Molly tablets.
- Abuja: Raids in Gwarimpa and other areas resulted in arrests and seizures of codeine-based syrups, tramadol, and methamphetamine.
WADA Sensitization Campaigns
The agency intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaigns in schools, religious centers, and communities, with lectures held across states including Oyo, Ekiti, and Katsina.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers for their efforts and urged them to remain vigilant in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.