By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a cannabis consignment allegedly destined for Saudi Arabia and uncovered 8,725 kilogrammes of powdered tramadol valued at more than ₦6.98 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
The seizures formed part of a series of nationwide anti-drug operations that also led to the recovery of large quantities of cannabis, tramadol and other controlled substances, as well as the arrest of several suspects across different states.
Among those arrested was an 85-year-old woman in Edo State, who was allegedly found in possession of 179 kilogrammes of skunk, a potent variety of cannabis.
Cannabis Discovered In Palm Oil Container
At the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, NDLEA operatives reportedly intercepted a woman, identified as Fatimah Ahmad, on Friday, October 16, during the clearance of an Ethiopian Airlines flight travelling to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, through Addis Ababa.
A search of a gallon of palm oil in her possession allegedly uncovered 511.75 grammes of cannabis concealed inside the container.
According to the report, Ahmad told investigators that her cousin, Abubakar Yahaya, had given her the container. Yahaya was subsequently arrested at the airport car park.
Tramadol Shipment Worth Billions Uncovered
In a separate operation at Apapa Port, Lagos, a joint examination conducted with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies on October 2 led to the discovery of a large consignment of powdered tramadol imported from India.
The shipment had reportedly been falsely declared as maize starch in an attempt to conceal its actual contents.
Laboratory analysis subsequently confirmed that the substance was tramadol hydrochloride powder. The consignment, separated from its concealment on October 14, consisted of 349 bags weighing a total of 8,725 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value exceeding ₦6.98 billion.
At Tin Can Island Port, NDLEA operatives also reportedly discovered 55 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud, valued at approximately ₦165 million, hidden inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle loaded in a 40-foot container on October 12.
More Arrests And Drug Recoveries In Lagos
The agency’s operations extended to several locations across Lagos State.
At Idumota Market on October 14, operatives arrested a woman identified as Elizabeth Chidera Kalu. The raid reportedly resulted in the recovery of 10,600 ampoules of diazepam injection and 6,500 tablets of Molly from her store.
The following day, two 35-year-old men, Idowu Daudu and Ahmed Oniyinde, were arrested in Mushin. The suspects were allegedly found with 59.95 kilogrammes and 61.23 kilogrammes of skunk, respectively.
In another operation at Iyana Oba, officers intercepted a truck carrying 18,000 tablets of tramadol, each containing 250 milligrammes. The drugs were reportedly concealed in cartons labelled as Rambo insecticide.
Those arrested in connection with the shipment were identified as Tajudeen Adeduntan, the loading manager, and his assistant, Azeez Sikiru.
85-Year-Old Woman Among Suspects In Edo
In Edo State, six suspects were reportedly arrested during raids conducted between October 15 and 16 in Warake, Ivhiaro and Ewe/Irue communities in Owan East Local Government Area.
One of the suspects was 85-year-old Grace Ehimeka, who was allegedly found with 179 kilogrammes of skunk in Warake.
Other recoveries from the operations reportedly included cannabis, cannabis seeds, tramadol, Swinol, diazepam and other substances.
Cannabis Farm Destroyed In Ondo
NDLEA operatives also raided a cannabis farm in Okemoro Isinbode Camp Forest in Ondo State on October 17.
The operation reportedly led to the destruction of cannabis plants cultivated across three hectares of land, with an estimated yield of 7,500 kilogrammes of skunk. Five suspects were arrested.
Officers also recovered 92 bags of cannabis weighing 1,267 kilogrammes, alongside 11 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds and three kilogrammes of fresh cannabis stems.
In a separate operation in Owo, 25 bags of cannabis weighing 375 kilogrammes were allegedly recovered from the hideout of a 53-year-old suspect, Okunebe Ndidi, in Ameyinti.
Nearly 900,000 Drug Tablets Seized In Bauchi
In Bauchi State, NDLEA officers intercepted a Volkswagen Golf wagon driven by 35-year-old Shamsu Garba at Ragwam village in Katagum Local Government Area on October 14.
The operation reportedly resulted in the recovery of 894,800 pills of tramadol capsules and Exol-5 tablets.
The latest seizures highlight the scale of the illegal drug trade and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to prevent the movement of controlled substances through Nigeria’s airports, seaports, markets and road networks.
The arrested suspects are expected to face further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.
