NDLEA Cracks Down on Drug Syndicates, Seizes Tons of Narcotics in Lagos and Nationwide

In a decisive blow against drug trafficking cartels, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide operations, dismantling six major drug syndicates and arresting nine high-profile kingpins in a series of intelligence-driven raids. The agency seized tons of illicit narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, various cannabis strains—such as Loud, Skunk, and Colorado—tramadol, opioids, and drug-laced consumables, notably brownies marketed online.

One significant interception occurred at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) where NDLEA operatives, acting on credible intelligence, seized pressure machine cylinders imported from South Africa containing 5.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 10.7 kilograms of Loud cannabis, 16 grams of cocaine, and other compounds. Two members of the drug trafficking ring—Ebulue Lotanwa Uzochukwu, a 30-year-old electrical appliances dealer, and Christopher Michael Ndibuisi, a 51-year-old South Africa returnee—were arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State, as they came to collect the consignment.

Similarly, a follow-up operation at Lagos airport on November 20th intercepted 2.3 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside an automobile brake servo part destined for Gabon. Arrests included freight agent Ameh Solomon and auto parts dealer Nwafor Tochukwu Boniface in Lagos. Additionally, a trailer carrying a staggering 4.7 tons of Skunk cannabis was stopped at Kabba, Kogi State, with three suspects detained and the kingpin, Marcus Danladi Dan Mangu, arrested later in Jos, Plateau State.

The NDLEA’s nationwide operations revealed further arrests and drug recoveries: a couple arrested in Cross River State with over 4.7 tons of Skunk seized from their warehouse; two young women in Edo involved in producing and selling drug-laced brownies online; and multiple seizures of tramadol pills, pentazocine injections, live ammunition, and codeine-based syrups in Kebbi, Niger, Borno, and the Federal Capital Territory.

In Lagos alone, another suspect was caught with 71 kilograms of Canadian Loud cannabis at a Lekki apartment, while another woman was found with packaged Colorado concealed in boarding cards—an innovative smuggling tactic. The agency also raided the notorious Peti illicit drug enclave on Lagos Island, seizing 385 kilograms of various cannabis strains and arresting suspects.

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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) commended the operatives for their successful missions and stressed the urgency of a relentless offensive, especially as the festive period approaches—a time historically exploited by drug traffickers to expand their illicit operations. He reassured the public that the agency, in collaboration with security agencies, would sustain vigilant efforts to dismantle drug cartels and reduce drug abuse nationwide.

The NDLEA also continues vigorous sensitization campaigns targeting schools, workplaces, worship centers, and communities to educate Nigerians on the dangers of drug abuse and promote public participation in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).

These ongoing operations demonstrate the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and protecting Nigerian society from the scourge of narcotics ​.