NDLEA nabs international drug syndicate in Lagos

By Innocent Raphael

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended key members of an organized criminal network operating across Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Europe and America .

This is coming in the wake of the recent seizure of the largest heroin consignment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Agency’s Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that during an operation initiated on February 10th, 2024, at the SAHCO Import Shed of the airport’s Cargo Terminal, law enforcement agents seized a total of 51.90 kilograms of heroin.

The illicit substance was ingeniously concealed within 15 cartons of 2300-watt metal cutting machines.

Upon inspection, 45 blocks of heroin weighing 49.70kg were discovered within the equipment, with an additional 2.2kg seized from the syndicate’s warehouse in the Ayobo area of Lagos.

Following the arrest of four syndicate members, the Agency obtained an interim forfeiture court order on various assets linked to the criminal network, including hotels, mansions, vehicles, and funds.

A manhunt ensued for other fugitives, resulting in the capture of two key figures, Onyinyechi Irene Igbokwuputa in Lagos and Frankline Uzochukwu in Awka, Anambra state, on April 19th. Another wanted member, Osita Emmanuel Obinna, was apprehended in Lagos, further dismantling the drug trafficking syndicate.

Subsequent raids led to the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of additional drugs in various parts of Nigeria.

Among those arrested were individuals attempting to traffic opioids and cannabis. Notably, a suspect attempting to transport cannabis to Oman was intercepted at the Lagos airport, while others were caught with large quantities of opioids and cannabis in different states.

The Agency further reiterated that , NDLEA commands nationwide have intensified efforts in their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy efforts, conducting sensitization lectures and outreach programs in schools, markets, and religious institutions.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), in his remarks, commended the agency’s officers for their efforts in combating drug trafficking and praised the nationwide initiative to address drug abuse through education and awareness.