Thursday, April 23rd 2026

NDLEA Intercepts Meth, Cocaine Hidden in Machine Cylinders, Auto Parts as Agency Launches Nationwide Crackdown


NDLEA Intercepts Meth, Cocaine Hidden in Machine Cylinders, Auto Parts as Agency Launches Nationwide Crackdown
102 views
    Share :

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its offensive against drug trafficking syndicates across Nigeria, dismantling at least six major drug networks, arresting nine kingpins, and seizing tons of illicit substances in a series of intelligence-driven operations.

In the latest sweep, NDLEA operatives recorded significant interceptions at airports, highways, warehouses, and online spaces, uncovering creative concealment methods including pressure machine cylinders, automobile brake servos, and even drug-laced brownies sold on social media.

Cylinders From South Africa Loaded With Illicit Drugs

On 18 November 2025, NDLEA officers arrested two members of a drug trafficking syndicate in Onitsha, Anambra State, after they attempted to collect a consignment smuggled from South Africa.

The shipment, which arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, via Tag-Angola Airlines on 13 November, contained:

  • 5.40kg methamphetamine
  • 10.70kg Loud (high-grade cannabis)
  • 16g cocaine
  • 200g phenacetin
  • 200g methcathinone
  • 100g caffeine

These were concealed inside pressure machine cylinders.

Those arrested include:

  • Ebulue Lotanwa Uzochukwu, 30
  • Christopher Michael Ndibuisi, 51, a South Africa returnee

Cocaine Hidden in Auto Parts Bound for Gabon

On 20 November, NDLEA operatives at Lagos Airport intercepted a brake servo auto part containing:

  • 48 cocaine pellets
  • A cocaine block
  • Total weight: 2.30kg

A freight agent, Ameh Solomon, was arrested, leading investigators to the ASMPDA Market at Trade Fair Complex, where Nwafor Tochukwu Boniface, an auto parts dealer, was also apprehended.

4.7 Tons of Skunk Seized in Kogi, Plateau

On 17 November, a trailer transporting 4,700kg of skunk was intercepted in Kabba, Kogi State.

Three suspects—Solomon Dauda, Friday Garba, and Daniel Danladi—were arrested.

A follow-up operation in Jos, Plateau State, on 21 November led to the arrest of the alleged kingpin, Marcus Danladi Dan Mangu.

Couple Arrested With 4.7 Tons of Skunk in Cross River

In Ugep, Yakurr LGA, NDLEA operatives on 19 November arrested:

  • Onun Okoi Okpotum, 55
  • Itam Okoi Okpotum, 52

A raid on their warehouse yielded 362 jumbo bags of skunk, weighing 4,706kg.

Drug-Laced Brownies Syndicate Smashed in Edo State

Two young women who produced and sold drug-laced brownies online were arrested in Benin City on 22 November:

  • Praise Nwogu, 19
  • Ebong Emem Oghosa, 25

Recovered from them were brownies, 76g of skunk, and 1.5g of Colorado.

A separate raid in Ososo, Akoko Edo LGA, led to the arrest of Shedrack Aminu, 35, with 59kg of skunk.

Large-Scale Drug and Ammunition Interception in Enugu

On 19 November, NDLEA operatives along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway arrested Chinoso Emmanuel Monday, 24, with:

  • 10.1kg skunk
  • 105,600 tramadol pills (250mg, 225mg, 100mg)
  • 700 pentazocine ampoules
  • 3,000 rounds of live ammunition

13,155 Codeine Bottles Seized in Kebbi

A warehouse in Dole-Kaina, Dandi LGA, was raided, resulting in the seizure of 13,155 bottles of codeine syrup.

A suspect, Umar Adamu, 23, was caught transporting 12,548 opioid pills hidden in paracetamol containers and destined for a Boko Haram enclave in Borno State.

Major Arrests in FCT, Niger, Lagos, and Others

Other notable arrests include:

  • Abaji–Abuja expressway (FCT):
    • 430.5kg substances
    • Suspects: Anthony Mercy, 40; Sunday Augustine, 39
  • Dikko Junction, Niger State:
    • 85,100 opioid pills and 5,456 bottles of codeine
    • Suspect: Samson Dafe, 47
  • Shiroro LGA, Niger State:
    • 471.8kg compressed skunk recovered from the premises of Sani Mohammed
  • Lekki, Lagos:
    • 72kg Canadian Loud linked to Usman Ayoola Adegoke
    • 2.6kg Colorado found with Oluchi Celestine, concealed in branded containers and flight boarding passes
  • Lagos Island (Peti Drug Enclave):
    • 385kg mixture of skunk, Loud, and Colorado seized
    • Two suspects arrested
  • Maza Maza Motor Park, Lagos:
    • 163,200 tramadol capsules (225mg) recovered

NDLEA Continues WADA Sensitization Nationwide

Despite intensified crackdowns, NDLEA Commands continued War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy in schools, religious centers, workplaces, and communities across:

Oyo, Lagos, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, Enugu, Ogun, and others.

Marwa: Festive Season a Peak Period for Drug Cartels

NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), praised operatives involved in the recent operations, urging them to maintain momentum.

He said the crackdown was strategic as the festive season often triggers increased drug trafficking activities:

“Drug cartels may attempt to increase their illegal activities during the busy holiday season. We must not, and we will not, let down our guard.”

Signed:

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA
Abuja — Sunday, 23 November 2025

 



Comments:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *