Operatives of anti-drug trafficking agency, NDLEA, have intercepted drugs concealed in Virgin Mary statue and some auto spare parts to be dispatched to Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi stated on Saturday in Abuja that 140 grammes of methamphetamine packaged in the statue of Mary was seized in one courier company.

The drug was to be delivered in the Philippines.

Mr Babafemi added that 500 grammes of heroin concealed in auto spare parts heading to Canada were also intercepted at a second courier company.

He also stated that a package of 3.1 kg of Indian hemp concealed inside spices, and another package of one kilogramme of Indian hemp concealed inside local herbs were seized.

The two packages were to be delivered to the UAE.

In a related development, the NDLEA arrested 31 suspects in Ondo State for being in possession of 276 kg of assorted illicit drugs. Those arrested included seven females. They were arrested during a two-week raid which began on April 6.

Mr Babafemi said that the sting operations were carried out to curb the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths and even the elderly in Ondo State.

He added that the illicit drugs seized was 74.285kgs of Indian hemp; 267 grammes of other psychotropic substances; 201kgs of “skuchies’’ (a combination of Indian hemp, tramadol, ethanol, and ‘zobo’).

NDLEA dismantled or destroyed most of the vending spots where the drugs were being dispensed, he said.

In Akwa Ibom, the NDLEA also seized 62.150kg of illicit drugs in Oron and Uyo.

Mr Babafemi quoted the NDLEA commander in the state, Obot Bassey, as saying that four suspects were arrested in two sting operations conducted on April 22 and April 23.

He stated that the NDLEA chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, had commended operatives in the two states and those of the Operations and General Investigations Directorate in Lagos for their steadfastness.

(NAN)