••• Arrests Drug Baron Attempting To Ship 11.913kg Cocaine To Giana
Over 1. 9 million tablets of tramadol and codeine, and 11.913 kilograms of cocaine have been intercepted by the operatives of the National Drug Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos and in other States of the country.
The seizures included cocaine, tramadol, codeine and cannabis.
The drugs were imported into the country from Pakistan and United Kingdom through the MMIA.
A statement from the Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, on Wednesday, stated that the Agency seized a total of 40 cartons of Co-Codamol, a brand of paracetamol with Codeine, which is classified as Opioid.
He stated that the seizure was made from a freight agent, Eraikhueme Ehis.
According to him, the seizure made on Thursday March 10, translates to 349, 800 tablets weighing 336kg.
“The consignment came from London, UK as a consolidated cargo through the SAHCO Import Shed of the airport. The consolidated cargo was declared as personal effects but was discovered it to contain some medicaments.
“In the same vein, no less than 1, 584,000 tablets of Tramadol were recovered on Tuesday, March 25, by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with Aviation Security (AVSEC) and Customs service personnel at the airport.
“The seizure includes 17 cartons of 250mg Tramadol branded as “Tamra” weighing 669.70kg and five cartons of 225mg Tramadol under the brand name “Royal” with a gross weight of 217.15kg.” Statement reads.
Babafemi explained that the psychotropic substance, which was imported into the country from Pakistan was smuggled through the airport tarmac using one of the vehicles of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) and was intercepted at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Personnel Yard.
“Two suspects, one Ofijeh John Mova, a SAHCO driver and Nyam Gazu Alex, who is a security guard with the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) have so far been arrested in connection with the seizure.” He added.
As that wasn’t enough, Babafemi explained further that the previous day, being Monday, March14, a total of 2,160 tablets of Co-codamol weighing; 1.95kg and 240 tablets of tramadol were also intercepted in a consolidated cargo from the United Kingdom at the SAHCO import shed of the airport.
He disclosed that a follow up operations by the operatives led to the arrest of the importer of the consignment, one Omonijo Temidayo, on Tuesday 15, March.
Again, the operatives in another follow up operations, equally led to the arrest of one Hajiya Mariam Saliu in Edo State on Monday, 14, March, and after discreet investigations, the suspect was pinned down as the brain behind attempt to export 1.55kg cannabis to Dubai through the Lagos airport on March 5.
Babafemi, revealed that NDLEA operatives, have also apprehended one of the kingpins behind the attempt to ferry 11.93 kilograms of Cocaine to Accra, Ghana through the Seme land border with Lagos.
“The 50-year-old suspect, Oyewunmi Ademola Ahmed was arrested on Tuesday 15th March at Mile 2 area of Lagos after series of follow up operation following the arrest of a driver, Osagie Anthony with the 11.913kg cocaine at Gbaji, Seme-Badagry expressway on January 23.
“In Kwara, a drug dealer, Hope John, 30, was arrested on Saturday 19th March at Goodness area of Offa with different quantities of cannabis, methamphetamine, designer drug and cocaine.” He stated.
He disclosed that the Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Kwara and Seme Border Commands of the Agency for their commitment, dedication to duty and maintaining cordial working relationship with other stakeholders in their areas of responsibilities.