NDLEA Arrests Lagos Businessman for Importing Cannabis from the United States
The NDLEA arrested Lagos businessman Arokodare Damil Ebenezer for smuggling cannabis from the U.S., seizing a total of 32.24 kilograms. In unrelated incidents, the agency apprehended a businessman attempting to smuggle tramadol and seized significant quantities of illegal drugs in Katsina. The agency is intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking across Nigeria, with various successful operations in recent weeks.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, a businessman from Lagos, linked to the shipment of 60 cannabis parcels smuggled from the United States to Nigeria. Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, disclosed that the arrest occurred on a Sunday at Bay Lounge in Lekki, where the suspect was reportedly expecting another consignment of the drug.
Authorities from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation unit had intercepted seven large cartons of cannabis, referred to as ‘Loud’, at a logistics company in Lagos on March 12 prior to Ebenezer’s arrest. A subsequent search of his Lekki residence revealed an additional 94 grams of the drug along with a cannabis crusher, culminating in a total seizure of 32.24 kilograms.
Ebenezer reportedly admitted to engaging in drug trafficking since 2017, indicating a longstanding involvement in illicit trade. In a separate NDLEA operation, another individual, Omoruyi Terry, was arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport for attempting to smuggle 1,400 tramadol pills to Italy. Terry was intercepted at the screening area while boarding a Qatar Airways flight, signifying ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug transport.
Additionally, NDLEA operatives apprehended four suspects in Katsina, where a raid uncovered 684 blocks of compressed skunk, totaling 423 kilograms, alongside 86,000 diazepam pills. Campaigns against drug trafficking have increased, with a recent destruction of over 13 tons of cannabis sativa identified in Edo forests.
Other significant seizures reported include 179 blocks of compressed skunk in Niger state and 108.5 kilograms of skunk in Enugu, showcasing the NDLEA’s persistent efforts to combat drug-related crimes. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable increase in illicit drug activities, with the agency’s recent successes against traffickers in Lagos and Anambra.
In summary, the NDLEA has made significant strides in combating drug trafficking within Nigeria, evident through the arrest of a Lagos businessman involved in smuggling cannabis from the U.S., as well as other successful operations resulting in the confiscation of large quantities of illegal drugs. The agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks is underscored by continuous arrests and seizures, underscoring a strong response to the pressing issues of drug trafficking and abuse in the region.
Original Source: nairametrics.com
