The Nigerian Narcotic Agency, NDLEA, has initiated extensive operations targeting illicit drug activities across Lagos, Edo, and Ondo states, resulting in the seizure of nearly 44,948.1 kilograms (44.9 tonnes) of illegal drugs. According to a statement released by Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media & Advocacy, eight suspects were apprehended during these operations, and 11 vehicles linked to drug cartels were confiscated.
During the raids, a significant quantity of cannabis, totaling 7,687.8 kilograms, was destroyed in a warehouse located in Ala forest, Akure, Ondo State. Additionally, another 670 kilograms of cannabis were evacuated on March 23, 2024. Furthermore, in Edo State, approximately 14,310.8625 kilograms of cannabis were incinerated on farms spanning 5.7 hectares, resulting in the arrest of five suspects.
Further operations in Uzebba/Avbiosi forest led to the destruction of over 6,500 kilograms of cannabis on 2.6 hectares of farmland, with three suspects apprehended. In another operation in Okpuje forest, Owan West LGA, NDLEA operatives, in collaboration with the military, razed 5,000 kilograms of cannabis stored in a warehouse.
In Lagos, a coordinated operation resulted in the seizure of 10,534 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a variant of cannabis, in the Ajah area. Additionally, various vehicles were impounded from the drug cartel. In separate raids, suspects were arrested with significant quantities of illegal drugs, including tramadol, pentazocine injection, codeine syrup, and Diazepam injection.
Similar operations in Kaduna, Borno, Yobe, and Kano states yielded substantial results. Notable among these are the arrests of individuals with Arizona, a strain of cannabis, along with cocaine and heroin syndicates. These operations reflect NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and securing communities from the menace of illicit drugs.