NDLEA seizes multi-billion-Naira drug shipments concealed in auto parts

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted shipments of methamphetamine and Loud, a potent synthetic cannabis strain, concealed in automobile spare parts at the Tincan Seaport, Lagos, and the Port Harcourt Port Complex, Rivers State.

The seizures, linked to festive season distribution, followed months of intelligence tracking across Canada, Europe, and Nigeria.

At Tincan Seaport, operatives discovered 5.001kg of methamphetamine hidden in a Toyota Camry on December 12th, arresting businessman Isaac Onwumere. On December 13th, another consignment containing 867.5kg of Loud in 44 jumbo bags and 78.3kg of methamphetamine in six plastic coolers was seized.

The street values of the shipments are ₦2.17 billion for Loud and ₦124.95 million for methamphetamine. Two suspects, Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe, were arrested, according to a statement by Femi Babafemi, the Director, Media & Advocacy of the NDLEA.

At the Port Harcourt Port Complex, joint operations uncovered 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth ₦4.45 billion in shipments from India between December 9th and 13th.

The NDLEA’s intelligence network tracked the shipments from their origins in Toronto, Canada, through Montreal and Antwerp, Belgium, to Nigeria. Collaborative inspections with Customs and port stakeholders enabled the discoveries.

In addition to operations, NDLEA sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaigns, holding sensitization programs in schools, communities, and workplaces across Nigeria.

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the agency’s success, warning drug cartels of severe losses if they continue illicit trade. He reaffirmed NDLEA’s capability to track and intercept drugs before they reach Nigerian markets, ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.

The seizures mark a significant blow to drug cartels and underscore NDLEA’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking.