By Nigeria- The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed today that it has arrested a 62 year old Lagos businessman, Nwabueze Nicholas Izueke, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The agency confirmed that Izueke was attempting to fly to China with 95 jumbo sized wraps of cocaine weighing 1.589 kilograms hidden in his stomach. According to NDLEA, the suspect tested positive during a body scan and was placed under observation, expelling all the wraps in seven separate excretions. The agency noted that Izueke admitted he trafficked the drugs to raise money to complete a country home in his village of Iwollo, Enugu state.
NDLEA officers also reported that they intercepted several shipments of methamphetamine, cannabis, and synthetic drugs across multiple states in Nigeria. The agency highlighted that some of these consignments were cleverly concealed in yogurt packs, Mp3 speakers, rice sacks, and other everyday items. NDLEA emphasized that these operations in Abuja, Taraba, Oyo, Kwara, Imo, Ondo, Lagos, and Enugu demonstrate the sophisticated methods traffickers use to move drugs across the country.
The agency confirmed that large scale drug production facilities were also targeted during recent operations. NDLEA revealed that a synthetic cannabis production site in Ibadan was raided, resulting in the arrest of the owner and an accomplice. Recovered items included chemicals used in production, skunk cannabis, cash, and vehicles. The agency added that other notable seizures included tramadol hidden in fuel tankers, skunk concealed in bushes and rice sacks, and cocaine carried by passengers arriving from other countries.
NDLEA further noted that, alongside enforcement operations, officers continued their public awareness campaigns under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative. The agency reported that officers visited schools, communities, and worship centers to educate students, staff, and community members about the dangers of drug abuse. NDLEA highlighted that its Niger State command conducted advocacy visits to traditional leaders to strengthen community support for anti-drug efforts.
The agency confirmed that Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa commended all officers involved in the recent arrests and seizures. NDLEA highlighted that Marwa urged personnel to maintain their professionalism and dedication in both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities nationwide. The agency emphasized that the recent operations reflect its continued determination to fight drug trafficking and raise awareness of drug abuse in communities across Nigeria.
