NDLEA Smashes Six Drug Syndicates, Arrests Nine Kingpins

• The NDLEA has dismantled six major drug syndicates, seizing tons of illicit substances and arresting nine kingpins in coordinated intelligence-driven operations across multiple states.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has carried out a sweeping crackdown on drug trafficking networks across the country, dismantling no fewer than six syndicates and arresting nine suspected kingpins in a series of intelligence-led operations.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the operations resulted in the seizure of tons of assorted illicit drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, skunk, “loud,” and drug-laced edibles.

According to the agency, two members of a drug trafficking gang were arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State, on November 18 when they arrived to take delivery of consignments concealed inside pressure machine cylinders imported from South Africa.
The intercepted shipment contained 5.40kg of methamphetamine, 10.70kg of loud, 16g of cocaine, 200g phenacetin, 200g methcathinone, and 100g of caffeine.

The items, which arrived on November 13 through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, were seized based on actionable intelligence.

In another operation at the Lagos airport on November 20, NDLEA officers intercepted an automobile brake servo used to conceal 48 pellets and a block of cocaine weighing 2.3kg. A freight agent who attempted to export the drugs to Gabon was arrested, leading to the arrest of an auto parts dealer at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos.

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Similarly, operatives in Kogi State intercepted a trailer transporting 4,700kg of skunk at Kabba on November 17. Three suspects were arrested, while a follow-up operation in Jos, Plateau State, on November 21 led to the arrest of the alleged owner of the trailer and the illicit shipment.

A separate raid in Ugep, Cross River State, on November 19 resulted in the arrest of a couple and the recovery of 362 jumbo bags of skunk weighing 4,706kg at their warehouse.

The agency also apprehended two women in Benin City, Edo State, on November 22 for producing and selling drug-laced brownies online. One suspect was found with multiple plates of the brownies and skunk, while the other was caught with additional quantities of skunk and Colorado.

A raid in Ososo village, Akoko-Edo, on November 18 also led to the arrest of 35-year-old Shedrack Aminu, who was found in possession of 59kg of skunk.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), said the intensified crackdown was deliberate ahead of the festive season, a period often exploited by drug cartels.
He warned that the agency would not allow criminal networks to take advantage of increased holiday activities.

“Drug cartels may attempt to increase their illegal activities during the busy holiday period. We must not, and we will not, let down our guard,” Marwa said.