NDLEA busts drug distribution rings across states
By Innocent Raphael
In a series of coordinated operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended individuals involved in drug distribution across multiple states.
This was made known in a statement made public on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja.
According to the statement, Josephine Odunu, a 20-year-old hair stylist, and Edesemi Ikporo, a 30-year-old dispatch rider, were recently arrested for selling cannabis-laced chin-chin to school students and at social gatherings in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.
The NDLEA had intercepted Edesemi with 200 grams of the drugged chin-chin and later apprehended Josephine, recovering a total of 3.2 kilograms of the illicit substance.
Investigations revealed that they distribute the chin-chin often laced with cannabis and tramadol to students and at birthday parties. While Edesemi handles the delivery to buyers, Josephine is a major distributor to a wanted suspect who is credited with producing the drugged chin-chin.
Meanwhile, in Adamawa state, a certain Ajim Samuel and Davidson John Joshua have been arrested with a large quantity of tramadol pills concealed in their vehicle. In Osun state, Ogunleye Adegoke was caught with tramadol, rohypnol, and codeine syrup hidden in his vehicle’s spare tire compartment.
The agency also revealed that in various other raids across the country, NDLEA operatives seized significant amounts of cannabis and opioids, including 118 kilograms of cannabis in Nasarawa state and 75 kilograms of cannabis in Edo state. Operations also targeted drug cultivation, with a significant amount of cannabis destroyed in Akoko Edo LGA.
The NDLEA further stated that as part of its continued War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign, the agency was conducting sensitization lectures in schools and engaging with community leaders.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the agency’s officers for their efforts in combating drug trafficking and promoting drug demand reduction through advocacy initiatives.