NDLEA Combats Drug Trafficking: Significant Arrests and Seizures Reported
The NDLEA arrested Angolan businessman Mbala Abuba at Kano airport for trafficking cocaine. Subsequent operations led to several drug seizures across Nigeria, including cannabis and cocaine. Significant arrests of individuals involved in drug distribution were also made, alongside educational campaigns aimed at combating drug abuse in local communities.
On February 25, 2025, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives arrested a 42-year-old Angolan businessman, Mbala Abuba, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. He attempted to traffic cocaine, which he ingested, to Istanbul, Turkey. Following a body scan, Abuba excreted 120 pellets of cocaine weighing a total of 1.829 kilograms during observation. In his statement, he claimed to have operated a township delivery service in Angola before engaging in drug trafficking.
In a separate incident, Ebuka Igwe, an auto parts dealer, was apprehended on February 24, 2025, for attempting to export two parcels containing 1.10 kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola through Murtala Muhammed International Airport. He asserted that his legitimate business inspired this illegal venture.
Ezechi Cyprian was arrested for attempting to transport 5.40 kilograms of cocaine to Owerri, Imo State, in his vehicle on February 23, 2025, following NDLEA’s extensive surveillance operations. Additionally, operatives seized a consignment of 128 parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, hidden in mattresses at Tin Can Port on February 28, 2025, leading to the arrest of 44-year-old Bamidele Joseph.
On February 27, 2025, NDLEA operatives partnered with military personnel to destroy over 50,000 kilograms of cannabis cultivated on a large farm in Delta State, arresting five individuals in relation to the operation. Further, on February 28, over 1,111 kilograms of skunk were seized from a truck along the Abraka-Orogun road. In Edo State, operatives raided warehouses to recover over 1,409.5 kilograms of skunk and arrested two suspects.
NDLEA operatives also made further arrests across Nigeria for various drug offenses. Notable arrests include 58.5 kilograms of skunk at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and 2,980 tablets of tramadol seized from a foreign national in Kwara State. NDLEA has been actively conducting educational outreach programs to raise awareness about drug abuse and its consequences among students and local communities.
In summary, the NDLEA continues its relentless efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria, resulting in numerous arrests and substantial drug seizures. The agency’s proactive measures and collaboration with military units have led to several successful operations. Furthermore, community outreach programs emphasize the importance of drug abuse awareness, thereby fostering a collaborative effort in addressing this critical issue throughout the nation.
Original Source: businessday.ng
