Fresh operations by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have led to major drug seizures and multiple arrests across Lagos, Delta, Edo, Niger and other locations.
The NDLEA said the operations resulted in the interception of illicit substances with a combined street value of more than N3.4 billion.
Among the seized drugs were large quantities of Canadian Loud, cannabis, tramadol, methamphetamine and other controlled substances.
N1.81bn cannabis shipment intercepted
One of the largest seizures was recorded at the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos.
NDLEA officials intercepted 1,200 parcels of Canadian Loud weighing 603.75kg.
The agency estimated the street value of the shipment at N1.81 billion.
According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the consignment arrived from Montreal, Canada, on September 12.
Intelligence received by the agency led to the container being placed under surveillance.
Officials later conducted a joint physical examination with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.
The inspection reportedly uncovered the cannabis inside black jumbo bags.
The bags were concealed in two Toyota Sienna vehicles loaded inside a 40-foot container.
Alleged fake policeman arrested in Delta
NDLEA operatives also arrested a man accused of impersonating a police officer.
The suspect, Innocent Ekpe, 49, was arrested along the Benin-Onitsha Expressway in Asaba, Delta State.
Officials said they recovered 292.48kg of skunk from his Toyota Sienna bus.
The NDLEA alleged that Ekpe had been using the identity of a person named Godwin Emeka, described as a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The agency further alleged that he possessed a forged police identification card.
NDLEA said the identity was allegedly used to avoid checks at roadblocks while transporting illicit drugs.
An alleged accomplice, Nduka Joseph, 39, was also arrested.
Auto workshop allegedly used as drug store
Another operation took place in Benin City, Edo State.
NDLEA operatives raided an auto-repair workshop along Agbor Road.
The operation led to the arrest of Matthew Ossai, 45.
According to the agency, officers recovered 48kg of Canadian Loud and 152g of methamphetamine from the premises.
NDLEA alleged that the workshop was being used to store illicit substances.
Arrests along major highways
The agency also reported arrests in Niger State.
Three young men were arrested at Chachi along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
They were identified as Bashir Usman, Abubakar Nuhu and Abdulrahman Abdulwahab.
NDLEA said two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, a magazine and a locally made pistol were recovered.
Nine rounds of 9mm ammunition were also reportedly found inside a black travel bag.
Over one million tramadol tablets seized
On the Abaji-Abuja Highway, two other suspects were arrested during an operation.
They were identified as Aminu Isyaku, 23, and Jamilu Habibu, 25.
The NDLEA said the pair were allegedly transporting more than 1.1 million tramadol tablets and capsules.
Codeine syrup, methamphetamine and Exol tablets were also reportedly recovered.
According to the agency, the substances were packed into eight sacks.
The suspects were allegedly moving the consignment from Onitsha in Anambra State to Mararaba in Nasarawa State.
Lagos operation produces more seizures
NDLEA operatives also recorded another seizure in Lagos.
A suspect identified as Onyeka Ofor was arrested at his home in Aguda, Surulere.
The agency said 48,900 tablets of tramadol 225mg were recovered.
At a separate location, Luke Ugokwe was arrested after seven cartons containing 59kg of cannabis were intercepted at a logistics company.
NDLEA continues nationwide operations
The latest arrests and seizures highlight the scale of the agency’s ongoing operations against illicit drug trafficking.
The NDLEA said its operatives will continue targeting the movement, storage and distribution of controlled substances across the country.
The suspects mentioned in the operations are accused of various offences and remain subject to the legal process.
