Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted illicit drugs worth billions of naira at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos and the Onne Port Complex in Rivers State.
The seized substances, including methamphetamine, a potent synthetic cannabis strain known as “Loud,” and codeine-based syrups, were reportedly intended for distribution during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In Lagos, shipments concealed in automobile spare parts imported from Canada were recovered after months of intelligence tracking across three continents.
The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that this marked the first time two consignments of methamphetamine, weighing 83.301kg, were seized in a single operation.
“Operatives intercepted multi-billion-naira worth of methamphetamine and Loud, a strong synthetic cannabis strain, at the Tincan Seaport,” Babafemi said.
“The drugs, concealed in automobile spare parts, were intended for festive season distribution. Months of intelligence-driven operations led to the seizure.”
The first consignment, recovered on December 12, contained 5.001kg of methamphetamine concealed inside a Toyota Camry. A suspect, identified as Isaac Onwumere, was arrested in connection with the cargo.
On December 13, another container was discovered with 1,735 parcels of Loud, weighing 867.5kg, and 78.3kg of methamphetamine. Two businessmen, Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe, were apprehended.
Babafemi estimated the street value of the Loud at ₦2.17 billion and the methamphetamine at ₦124.95 million.
Babafemi explained the meticulous tracking of the shipments, which began in October 2024 in Toronto, Canada.
“The NDLEA monitored the first consignment from its loading in Toronto to its trans-shipment in Belgium and eventual arrival in Lagos on December 1. Similarly, the second shipment was flagged in Canada on October 8 and tracked through Europe until it docked in Lagos on December 6,” he said.
At the Onne Port Complex in Rivers State, NDLEA officers, in collaboration with Customs and other security agencies, intercepted 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup valued at ₦4.5 billion.
Babafemi noted that the seizures were made during joint inspections on December 9, 11, and 13, following credible intelligence on the shipments from India.
“These seizures demonstrate the agency’s commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks, especially during critical periods like the festive season,” Babafemi added.
The NDLEA has intensified efforts to combat drug smuggling, with investigations ongoing to bring all suspects involved to justice.
