The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently seized multiple consignments of illicit drugs disguised in tins of Cerelac baby food and clothing destined for the United States and United Kingdom.
In a statement, Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, said the operation occurred at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and a courier firm in Lagos.
On July 31, 2024, NDLEA operatives intercepted 36 parcels of a potent cannabis strain hidden in six cartons of branded Nestle Cerelac baby food at the SAHCOL export shed at Lagos airport.
The concealed drugs, weighing a total of 18.50 kilogrammes, led to the arrest of freight agent Salaudeen Suliat Abiola.
A follow-up operation in Ibadan, Oyo State, on August 3 resulted in the arrest of Bello Motunrayo Folu, the sender of the cargo.
In a related incident, five shipments of opioids and other psychoactive substances, including promethazine, pentazocine, diazepam, tramadol, and morphine, were intercepted by NDLEA operatives in Lagos.
The drugs, concealed in clothing and other items, were bound for the US and UK. One shipment contained 820 grams of promethazine and pentazocine injections, while the other four parcels included over two kilograms of opioids.
On August 2, NDLEA operatives at Tincan port in Lagos recovered 77 packages of Canadian Loud, a synthetic cannabis strain, hidden in the body compartments of four vehicles imported from Canada. The drugs weighed a total of 38.5 kilograms. Two suspects, Salami Abiodun Sunday and Lekan Atoyebi, were arrested.
Additional seizures included 1,740 bottles of codeine syrup, 1,070 tablets of Molly in Lagos, 50 bags of cannabis in Ondo State, and 22.5 bags of cannabis in Edo State. Several suspects were apprehended in connection with these cases.
NDLEA’s continued War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) includes sensitization activities in various communities, emphasizing the importance of reducing drug supply and abuse. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) praised the agency’s efforts and encouraged the continued zeal in combating drug-related crimes.
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