The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major opioid trafficking network and arrested several suspects during coordinated operations across Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Kano, and Gombe states.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, operatives recorded a major breakthrough in Taraba State after intercepting a truck transporting building materials from Onitsha to Jalingo. A search of the vehicle uncovered large quantities of drugs hidden beneath the cargo.
A 22-year-old suspect, Buhari Abdullahi, was arrested, while officers recovered 320,840 capsules of tramadol, 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 4,500 rohypnol tablets, and 299 bottles of codeine syrup.
In Ebonyi State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 75-year-old suspect, Okebe Samuel, with skunk allegedly prepared for sale, while another operation in Imo State led to the arrest of Chioma Okeke and the recovery of 8 kilograms of skunk.
The agency also carried out raids in Benin City, Edo State, where four suspects, including three women, were arrested with quantities of skunk, methamphetamine, and other psychotropic substances.
In Kano State, operatives arrested 19-year-old Saifullahi Lawan with 38 kilograms of skunk, while another suspect was nabbed in Gombe State with 15,000 capsules of tramadol.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA said it has continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, taking anti-drug awareness programmes to schools and communities across the country.
Commending officers involved in the operations, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised their efforts and reaffirmed the agency’s determination to take the fight against drug trafficking nationwide.
“We remain committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks, regardless of age, gender or the methods used to conceal illicit substances,” Marwa said.
Source : NDLEA
