Nigeria’s Drug Agency Targets Cross-Border Drug Cartel, Apprehends Suspects

Nigeria’s Drug Agency Targets Cross-Border Drug Cartel, Apprehends Suspects

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a trans-border drug trafficking syndicate, arresting four members in intelligence-led operations.

A statement by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy, confirmed that during the raid, tramadol pills worth millions of naira were recovered, concealed in the bumper and false bottom of Sienna buses heading to border towns.

Two suspects, Zahradeen Adamu (27) and Abubakar Usman (44), were arrested in a vehicle travelling from Onitsha, Anambra State, en route to Yola, Adamawa State. A second Sienna bus, driven by Abba Usman (48), was also intercepted.

Investigations revealed that Kingsley Mbaeri, an Onitsha-based dealer, was the supplier of the seized tramadol consignment.

In another operation, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial bus travelling from Onitsha at the Abaji checkpoint, FCT Abuja, on 4 February. A passenger, Chimezie Henry Ojingwa (32), was arrested while carrying motor spare parts in a black bag.

A search of his bag led to the discovery of 404.47 grams of methamphetamine, 506.49 grams of ‘Loud’, a synthetic strain of cannabis, 262.32 grams of dimethyl sulfone, a precursor substance for mixing meth. All substances were concealed inside the motor parts.

Additionally, the NDLEA carried out several arrests in Cross River, Ekiti, and Lagos States, as the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) continues to intensify across the country.