NDLEA Arrests Lagos, Italy-Based Businessmen Over Drug Shipments, Destroys 13,198kg of Cannabis in Edo Forests
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two businessmen, one based in Lekki and the other in Italy, for their involvement in illicit drug shipments to Nigeria and Europe.
One of the suspects, 43-year-old Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, the proprietor of Damillionz Takeout, was apprehended at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki, while expecting delivery of a drug consignment. NDLEA operatives had earlier intercepted his cargo, containing 60 parcels of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, shipped from the United States. A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of 94 grams of the same drug, a cannabis crusher, and other drug paraphernalia, bringing the total seized quantity to 32.24 kilograms. Ebenezer admitted to engaging in the illicit drug trade since 2017.
In another operation at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, NDLEA officers thwarted an attempt by Omoruyi Terry, an Italy-based logistics agent, to smuggle 1,400 tramadol pills to Italy. The suspect was intercepted at the airport’s screening point while preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight.
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In Katsina State, a drug repackaging factory was uncovered in Godai village, Daura LGA, leading to the arrest of four suspects—Baraka Abubakar, Haruna Alitine, Muhammad Babangida, and Hamisu Lawal. NDLEA operatives seized 684 blocks of compressed cannabis, weighing 423kg, and 86,000 pills of diazepam from the location.
Meanwhile, in Edo State, NDLEA operatives destroyed cannabis plantations in Uhen forest (Ovia North East LGA), Sobe (Owan West LGA), and Amahor forest (Igueben LGA), eliminating 13,198kg of cannabis while evacuating 158kg for further investigation and prosecution.
Other drug seizures across Nigeria included:
Niger State: 179 blocks of compressed cannabis (77.6kg) were found in a hidden compartment of a Toyota Corolla on the Mokwa-Jebba road, leading to the arrest of Paul Christopher and Lucky Star Anumie. Additionally, 50kg of cannabis was recovered from the home of a suspect, Isa Iliya, in Wawa village, Borgu LGA.
Enugu State: 108.5kg of cannabis was confiscated from lockup shops at Aria New Market, Enugu.
Kwara State: 25kg of cannabis was seized from a suspect, Abdulrazak Saka, in Kilako, Ilorin.
Oyo State: Suli Saheed, 50, was arrested with 2.5kg of Ghanaian Loud and 515 grams of Colorado in Olomi Academy, Ibadan.
Alongside these enforcement actions, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programs in schools and communities across the country.
Commending the agency’s personnel for their efforts, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised their commitment to reducing drug supply and demand. He also extended Eid-el-Fitr greetings to officers, stakeholders, and Nigerians, urging collective efforts towards a drug-free society.
By PRNigeria
