NDLEA arrests ex-convict, 3 others, over UK-bound cocaine consignment

….recovers tons of skunk, opioids in Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Gombe, Taraba, FCT, Lagos raids

…nabs wanted businessman linked to Tincan port ‘Loud’ shipment

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a notorious drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, who was previously convicted in 2023 for dealing in 30.10kg of methamphetamine.

Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, said in a statement on Sunday that the suspect was arrested following the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms. The drugs were concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch and were bound for the United Kingdom. The seizure took place at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

The arrest comes amid sustained efforts by the anti-narcotics agency to rid Nigeria of its reputation as a hub for drug cartels and smugglers.

Read also: NDLEA drug test policy will curb substance abuse among youths – Marwa

The Agency also revealed that “three cargo agents: Jubrin Firdausi Hassana; Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun; and Igwe Chioma Jane involved in the attempt to export the consignment to the UK were also swiftly arrested, before further investigations unraveled that the 37-year-old Basil was the main mastermind.”

He was arrested in a follow up operation on Sunday 21st December at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja where he went on a date with his girlfriend.

The Agency’s criminal database revealed that Nwobodo had been arrested in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10kg methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers as part of a consolidated cargo going to London, United Kingdom at the export shed of the Lagos airport.

He was subsequently arraigned at a Federal High Court in charge number: FHC/L/337C/2023, convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a fine of Seven Million Naira (₦7,000,000.00), along with one-month community service, with effect from 4th December, 2023.

He was said to have paid the fine and soon after returned to the same crime.

‎In another successful operation, NDLEA operatives on Monday 22nd December set ablaze tons of skunk, a strain of cannabis and wooden warehouses in Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti where 638 kilograms of same psychoactive substance were also recovered.

The Agency said fewer than 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 883.1kg were recovered from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Igara-Auchi road, Edo state on Monday 22nd December.

In Cross River state, the NDLEA said operations conducted on Sunday 21st December at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr LGA, led to the arrest of three suspects and seizure of various quantities of skunk.

“They include: Freedom Jonah Akpama, 27, with 671kg; David Itam David, 30, with 89kg; and Nelson Arikpo Osam, 26, with 148kg.”

In another operation, a 42-year-old lady, Joy Oisamaye was arrested with 38kg skunk by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Abaji- Abuja expressway on her way from Otua in Owan East LGA, Edo state.

The NDLEA also stated that its operatives in Lagos arrested another female suspect; Ajoke Dauda with 45.5kg skunk on Christmas day at Agbara, along Badagry expressway, another suspect Oluwasegun Felix was nabbed with 18.5kg of same substance at Itoga, Badagry, the previous day Wednesday 24th December.

In Takum area of Taraba state, two other suspects: Emmanuel Danladi, 39, and John Onoja, 41, were nabbed with 48kg of same substance on Wednesday 24th and Tuesday 23rd December respectively.

In Gombe state, a 65-year-old driver Sada’u Mohammed was arrested while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 27,900 pills of tramadol, and other opioids, along Gombe-Biu highway, heading to Biu in Borno state.

A 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown) wanted in connection with the seizure of 56 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 26kg at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, has been arrested by NDLEA operatives.

The Agency stated that the illicit drug consignment was seized on 10th December during a joint examination of a container by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies. A follow up operation by NDLEA operatives on 19th December led to the arrest of Ignatius in Apapa.

Across all Commands and formations of the Agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Destiny Child Academy, Nkpor, Anambra during their holiday skills acquisition training; women and teachers at Makaratar Mata Tatunawa da Marigayi Mustapha Nuhu, Kuki Gawo, Dutsinma LGA, Katsina and youths of Odokoro-Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi state, among others.

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