NDLEA uncovers illicit drug consignments in water purifier machines from Europe
NDLEA Intercepts Illicit Drug Shipments in Lagos, Makes Multiple Arrests Nationwide
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced Sunday that its operatives intercepted shipments of illegal drugs disguised within water purifier machines sent from the Netherlands to Lagos. The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed that the seizure occurred on May 26 at a courier company in Lagos, where agents discovered three kilograms of ketamine and 199 grams of MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, concealed inside the machines.
In a separate incident in Kaduna State, operatives arrested a couple, Musa and Mercy Sunday, along with a third suspect, Salomi Ezekiel, 38. This operation led to the recovery of 100 jumbo bags of skunk, totaling 1,246 kilograms, from the suspects’ residence in the Gonin Gora area on May 24.
On the same day, NDLEA officers patrolling the Abuja-Kaduna Highway apprehended Sunusi Musa, 30, who was allegedly transporting 380 rounds of 7.62mm military-grade ammunition to Katsina State. Both the suspect and the ammunition were referred to the appropriate security agency for further investigation.
In another operation in Niger State, NDLEA agents acting on intelligence raided a warehouse in Gidan Kukah, Bosso Local Government Area, on May 27, recovering 457 kilograms of skunk. A suspect, 46-year-old Godwin Zakka, was later arrested at his residence in the Gbeganu area of Minna in connection with this seizure.
Meanwhile, in Enugu State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial vehicle along the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway on May 28. A search revealed 22,000 pills of tramadol, 100 ampoules of pentazocine, and 200 grams of bromazepam. The driver, identified as James Maigari Wisdom, was taken into custody.
The NDLEA also continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaign, conducting awareness programs in various educational and community settings across the country. Recent sessions took place at Government Secondary School in Adiabo, Cross River State; St. Patrick’s Memorial College in Wukari, Taraba State; Roman Catholic Mission Nursery and Primary School in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State; and Kings Secondary School in Amawbia, Anambra State.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) commended the officers involved in the recent operations in Kaduna, Niger, and Enugu states for their efforts in arresting suspects and seizing illegal substances. He encouraged operatives nationwide to maintain their momentum in reducing drug supply while continuing public outreach to combat drug abuse.
