In a series of strategic operations targeting drug shipments, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized substantial quantities of cocaine and pharmaceutical opioids hidden in everyday items such as sanitary pads and hair cream containers. The agency’s actions, carried out at various courier companies in Lagos, foiled attempts to smuggle the narcotics to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, and South Africa.
Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, revealed in a statement released to Africa Health Report on Sunday that these operations are part of the agency’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
According to the NDLEA, the initial seizure took place on September 3, 2024, when the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation intercepted 30 packets of cocaine, totaling 1.1 kilograms, that were hidden in containers of hair cream and intended for Ireland. Three days later, on September 6, an additional 24 packets of cocaine weighing 862 grams were discovered in similar containers, with this shipment heading for the UK.
On September 3, NDLEA agents seized 525 pills of tramadol (225mg) and ecstasy (MDMA) that were cleverly disguised within sanitary pads and intended for Cyprus. The following day, officials confiscated 200 ampoules of promethazine and pentazocine injections, which were hidden in food and herbal items destined for London. On September 6, a shipment of tramadol concealed in granulated melon from Cameroon was intercepted, with South Africa as its destination.
In a related development, a joint operation between the NDLEA and the Nigerian Customs Service at the Port Harcourt International Airport on September 2 led to the seizure of 550,000 tramadol pills, with one suspect arrested in connection with the bust.
Another significant breakthrough occurred between September 3 and 4, when NDLEA operatives, with support from the Nigerian Army, destroyed over 100,000 kilograms of cannabis on 51 hectares of farmland in the Ise-Ekiti forest reserve in Ekiti State.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) lauded the agency’s personnel, saying, “Their operational successes are well appreciated,” and urged officers to continue their relentless efforts in combating the supply and demand for illegal drugs across Nigeria.
