The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an opioids cartel in an intelligence-led operation during which a baron and five members of his gang were arrested.
The NDLEA operatives recovered illicit substances worth over N6.7 billion from their secret warehouse in a residential estate in Lagos.
A statement by the agency’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi on Wednesday in Abuja said that the operatives had continued their offensive action against drug syndicates in a nationwide crackdown.
Babafemi said that the arrest followed credible intelligence that the drug trafficking organisation (DTO) was distributing over 7.2 million pills of tramadol 225mg and 526,200 bottles (52.6 million mls) of codeine syrup.
He said that the drugs were warehoused in a residential compound located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri area of Isolo, Lagos state, ahead of the Christmas festive season.
He also said that officers of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA led a well coordinated operation between Wednesday, Nov. 19 and Thursday, Nov. 20 to round up members of the syndicate and dismantle their criminal network.
He added that two members of the DTO were trailed and arrested at Apple Junction, Festac area of Lagos on Wednesday, Nov. 19 while conveying 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.
He also added that a follow up operation to the syndicate’s warehouse at Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor the following day Thursday, Nov. 20 led to the arrest of other members of the syndicate.
“In all, a total of 7,272,000 pills of tramadol 225mg worth N3.9billion and 53 million mills of codeine syrup valued at over N2.8 billion bringing the combined value of the seized drugs to N6.7 billion only in street value were recovered.
“They were all moved out of the estate in eleven trucks to NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos,” he maintained.
The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa has commended the Commander and operatives of the Special Operations Unit as well as those of Strike Force Unit involved in the dismantling of the syndicate.
Marwa praised the officers’ professionalism and dedication, describing the breakthrough as a major blow to the cartels preying on Nigeria’s youth.
“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement.
“The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity across our nation.
“This represents a victory for the Nigerian people and a confirmation of our unwavering commitment to the mandate given to us by President Bola Tinubu,” Marwa stated.
The NDLEA boss emphasised that the agency’s focus remains squarely on the kingpins and financiers of the illicit drug trade.
According to him, the days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over.
“The arrest of this drug baron and his criminal cohorts, following an intensive intelligence operation, serves as a stark reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death.
“No matter how high or deeply concealed they think they are,” he emphasised.
