In a sweeping nationwide operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended multiple suspects involved in illicit drug trafficking, including a 72-year-old grandmother, a Beninese national, and a Europe-based businessman.
The elderly suspect, identified as Mrs. Christy Ejaro, was arrested in Warri, Delta State, with several sachets of skunk (a potent strain of cannabis) packaged for retail distribution. Her arrest underscores the growing trend of traffickers exploiting unsuspecting or vulnerable individuals to move narcotics.
At the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, NDLEA operatives intercepted Chibuzor Emmanuel, a 38-year-old bar attendant based in Maputo, Mozambique. A search of his luggage revealed 17.5 kg of methamphetamine and 3.05 kg of cocaine, cleverly concealed in bedsheets. Another passenger on the same flight, 54-year-old Azu Kpodar, a toy vendor from São Paulo, Brazil, was found with 1.25 kg of liquid cocaine hidden in a soap container.
In a separate operation at the Seme border in Lagos, 26-year-old Beninese national, Vode Jean-Luck, was caught attempting to smuggle 29.5 kg of skunk into Nigeria. Meanwhile, in Kwara State, notorious drug dealer Bolanle Oladele, also known as Iya Nafi, was arrested in Omu-Aran with quantities of skunk, tramadol, and flunitrazepam.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the agency’s operatives for their vigilance and commitment. “These arrests reflect our unwavering resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks and protect our communities from the scourge of narcotics,” he stated.