The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a shipment of cannabis concealed in a duvet and destined for the United Kingdom.
The operation took place at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, according to a statement released by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
The intercepted consignment contained six parcels of cannabis, commonly referred to as “Loud,” weighing 3.50 kilograms.
Following the discovery, two suspects, identified as Adakole Sunday and Austin Balogun, were apprehended. Investigations revealed that Balogun, acting as the main agent, admitted to receiving N700,000 to facilitate the shipment.
He reportedly used part of the payment for export handling charges and the rest to secure accommodation.
In a related operation, NDLEA officers uncovered a hideout in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, where psychoactive substances and weapons were seized.
Two suspects, Joseph Oluwasegun Adewale and Biodun Adelakun, were arrested. The raid led to the recovery of seven liters of “skuchies,” a substance made from black currant, cannabis, and opioids.
Other confiscated items included three locally-made double-barrel rifles, one single-barrel rifle, a pistol, cartridges, and an axe.
Meanwhile, a separate raid in the Akala area of Mushin, Lagos, on January 19, resulted in the seizure of 47 kilograms of skunk, a potent cannabis strain, and 25.46 kilograms of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.
The agency’s anti-drug operations extended to other states. In Ekiti State, a 26-year-old suspect, Adepoju Taiwo, was arrested on January 23 with 1.950 kilograms of Canadian Loud.
Similarly, in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, Auwal Sani was apprehended on January 20 with 50,000 tramadol pills weighing 36.56 kilograms.
In Kano State, NDLEA operatives arrested three individuals—Abubakar Lami, 45; Abba Sani, 35; and Auwal Aliyu, 32—at Gadar Tamburawa. The raid led to the recovery of 13.1 kilograms of skunk and 125 liters of “suck and die,” another psychoactive substance.
Additionally, a cannabis plantation in the Dawakin Kudu area of Kano State was discovered and destroyed, with one suspect, Sabo Ali Muhammad, 45, linked to the farm.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (retd.), commended the officers involved in these operations.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and promoting the prevention of substance abuse across the country.
