NDLEA intercepts US, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Italy-bound cocaine, opioid shipments in prayer beads,others. Arrests 2 suspects; recovers large consignments of skunk,heroin, opioids in Kano, Kwara,Kaduna, Taraba,Abia,Osun, and FCT raids

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted multiple illicit drug consignments concealed in unusual items such as prayer beads, board game packs, and clothing, destined for countries including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates. These operations were carried out at logistics firms and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, thwarting attempts by drug trafficking organizations.

Key Arrests and Seizures

• Jakpor Egware May, a 43-year-old businesswoman, was arrested on March 8 at MMIA while attempting to board an Air France flight to Italy. Her luggage contained 190 parcels of tramadol (225mg) and skunk.
• Yahaya Fatai Ayinla, 60, was apprehended on March 11 while attempting to ship 400 grams of skunk concealed in clothing to New York.
• NDLEA operatives intercepted shipments of cocaine hidden in prayer beads and locally made shoes bound for Saudi Arabia and Poland between March 10–12.

Nationwide Operations

Raids across Nigeria led to significant drug recoveries:

• Kano State: 479kg of skunk seized from Hassan Haruna.
• Kaduna State: Over 7,800 tramadol pills confiscated in separate operations.
• Kwara State: More than 60,000 tramadol tablets intercepted during highway checks.
• Osun State: 48.7kg of cannabis strains recovered from a commercial bus.
• FCT Abuja: Arrests included suspects with tramadol pills and cocaine.
• Abia State: A raid in Ntigha community uncovered heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and cocaine.

War Against Drug Abuse (WADA)

NDLEA continued its sensitization efforts through lectures and outreach programs targeting schools, workplaces, and communities nationwide.

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NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa commended the agency’s balanced approach to reducing both drug supply and demand. The recent operations highlight NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking across Nigeria.