NDLEA Seizes ₦3bn Opioids, Arrests Newlywed

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted more than 2.55 million opioid pills valued at over ₦3 billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while arresting suspected drug traffickers in raids across several states.

The major seizure was made on September 22 during a joint examination of three monitored consignments at the airport’s import shed.

NDLEA operatives recovered 2,550,000 pills of Tramaking 225mg, Tramaking 250mg and Royal Tapentadol 250mg, with a combined gross weight of 1,640.55kg.

According to the agency, the consignments originated from India and Bangladesh and were brought into Nigeria through Qatar Airways, RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines.

Newlywed Arrested With Cocaine

In a separate operation at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, NDLEA operatives arrested a 25-year-old businessman, Lovely Chukwulobelu, for allegedly attempting to traffic cocaine to Portugal.

The suspect was intercepted at the departure hall on Thursday, September 25, while preparing to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Portugal via Addis Ababa.

NDLEA said Chukwulobelu had 72 wraps of cocaine in his stomach and was subsequently placed under excretion observation, during which all 72 wraps were recovered.

The agency said the suspect, who had his wedding ring on when he was arrested, recently returned to Nigeria and got married on September 13.

He reportedly told NDLEA investigators that he previously operated a car decoration business around the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos, before relocating to Portugal in May 2023.

According to the agency, he claimed he became involved in the alleged drug trafficking in an attempt to offset expenses incurred during his wedding.

NDLEA Targets Cross-Border Drug Networks

The seizures form part of wider NDLEA operations targeting drug trafficking and cross-border movement of illicit substances.

The agency said its recent operations also involved arrests and seizures in Lagos, Oyo, Edo and Bauchi, including suspected traffickers operating across state and international borders.

The latest airport seizures highlight the continuing use of international cargo and passenger routes in attempts to move controlled substances into and out of Nigeria.

NDLEA said its operatives remain focused on disrupting both the supply chains bringing illicit drugs into the country and trafficking networks moving them across borders.

The agency’s latest operations come amid continued concerns over the availability of opioids and other controlled substances in Nigeria, particularly through illicit trafficking channels.