The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled no fewer than six syndicates, leading to the seizure of tons of assorted illicit drugs and the arrest of nine kingpins in a series of intelligence-led interdiction operations.

A statement on Sunday by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said operatives had carried out a blistering crackdown on drug trafficking organisations across the country.

Mr Babafemi said that in one such operation, NDLEA officers on Tuesday, November 18, arrested two members of a drug trafficking organisation in Onitsha, Anambra.

This, he said, was when they showed up to take delivery of 5.40 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, 10.70 kilogrammes of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, and 16g of cocaine.

He added that this also included 200 grammes of phenacetin, 200 grammes of methcathinone, and 100 grammes of caffeine concealed in pressure machine cylinders imported from South Africa.

“The first to show up at a logistics company in Onitsha for the collection of the consignments was a 30-year-old electrical appliances dealer.

“He was promptly arrested, while shortly after, another member of the syndicate, a 51-year-old South African returnee, showed up and was equally arrested.

“The consignments had arrived at the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja-Lagos, with airway bill number 118-12882973.

“It arrived from South Africa on a Tag-Angola flight on November 13 and was immediately seized based on credible intelligence.

“A follow-up sting operation was thereafter organised in Onitsha, Anambra State, where the recipients were arrested,” he said.

In another operation at the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives on Thursday, November 20, intercepted a brake servo automobile part used to conceal 48 pellets and a block of cocaine.

Mr Babafemi said the drugs were packed with a gross weight of 2.30 kilogrammes, among other auto parts going to Gabon.

He said that following the arrest of a freight agent who presented the consignment for export, a follow-up at the ASMPDA market, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos, led to the arrest of an auto parts dealer.

Meanwhile, in Kogi, NDLEA operatives on Monday, November 17, intercepted a trailer conveying 4,700 kilogrammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis, at Kabba.

“Three suspects accompanying the consignment were arrested, while a follow-up operation in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday, November 21, led to the arrest of the kingpin who owns the trailer and the illicit drug consignment.

In another development, a couple was arrested on Wednesday, November 19, at their warehouse located at 13 Park Road, Ugep, Yakur LGA, Cross River, where 362 jumbo bags of skunk weighing 4,706 kilogrammes were recovered.

In Edo State, two ladies who specialise in the production and online sale of brownies laced with illicit drugs were arrested on Saturday, November 22, in Benin City.

“At the point of their arrest, one of the suspects was found with 12 plates and a cup of drug-laced brownies, while the other was nabbed with 76g of skunk, 1.5 grammes of Colorado, and drug-laced brownies.

“A raid at Ososo village, Akoko Edo LGA, on Tuesday, November 18, led to the arrest of 35-year-old Shedrack Aminu, who was found with 59kg skunk,” he said.

Justifying the current heavy crackdown on drug trafficking syndicates, the NDLEA chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, said the coming festive season was usually a period often exploited by criminal elements.

Mr Marwa said the agency had decided to launch a relentless offensive on drug trafficking cartels across the nation.

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

(NAN)