In a notable operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), a 35-year-old woman, Chidinma Chinenye-Agbazue, was apprehended while attempting to smuggle 20 parcels of cannabis sativa, hidden within African salad and dried vegetables, to Doha, Qatar. This incident occurred at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, highlighting the agency’s vigilance against drug trafficking activities.
The NDLEA, in collaboration with the Department of State Security, managed to intercept Chidinma, an outbound passenger to Doha, showcasing the efficacy of Nigeria’s security apparatus in combating the export of illicit substances. Femi Babafemi, the spokesperson for the NDLEA, detailed this operation in a statement, underscoring the sophisticated methods employed by traffickers to evade detection.
Chidinma, who had been in Nigeria since last December for Christmas celebrations, disclosed during the investigation that the contraband was given to her at Club Dice Hotel in Ikotun, Lagos. This revelation provides insight into the intricate network utilized by drug syndicates to orchestrate international trafficking operations. In a related development, NDLEA operatives made significant drug seizures and arrests within Lagos State. Notably, Monday Okeke and Chigozie Emeka were apprehended with a substantial haul of opioids and other illicit drugs. An attempt by Okeke to bribe NDLEA officers with N5 million was firmly rejected, showcasing the agency’s integrity and commitment to justice.
The NDLEA’s crackdown on drug trafficking extended beyond Lagos. Operations in Bayelsa led to the arrest of three suspects attempting to smuggle opioids to the Southern Ijaw area. Simultaneously, raids in Ogun, Taraba, Abia, Ondo, and Kano states resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of cannabis, tramadol, codeine syrup, and other narcotics, emphasizing the NDLEA’s nationwide reach in combating drug trafficking. The arrest of Bakura Goni in Lagos, following the seizure of a consignment of cannabis and tramadol intended for Kano, illustrates the NDLEA’s proactive measures to dismantle drug trafficking networks across the country. These operations reflect the agency’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation’s health and security by preventing the proliferation of illicit drugs.
