NDLEA arrests businessman with 90 cocaine wraps ingested

NDLEA arrests businessman with 90 cocaine wraps ingested

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives arrested 50-year-old businessman Osuoha Christian Iheanacho on November 20, 2024, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu for ingesting 90 wraps of cocaine.

The arrest occurred during the screening of passengers arriving from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

In a statement from NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, it was revealed that Osuoha Christian Iheanacho had been under surveillance for months before his arrest.

The 50-year-old businessman excreted 2.019 kilograms of cocaine in seven sessions while under observation.

Investigations showed that Osuoha, who runs a phone and accessories business in Lagos and Gabon, ingested the drugs during a stopover in Addis Ababa. He confessed that he needed the proceeds from the drug trade to save his struggling business.

Nationwide Anti-Drug Operations

On November 21, 2024, NDLEA operatives carried out a coordinated raid in Lagos, arresting 42-year-old Ndive Maxwell Obinna, the leader of a cocaine distribution cartel, and five associates. The operation, conducted at Ago Palace Way, Okota, resulted in the seizure of 2.412 kilograms of cocaine. The arrested accomplices included Okeke Gloria Ifeoma, the cartel’s stash keeper, and Ikechebelu Emmanuel Chibuzor, Okorie Onyedikachi, Okonkwo Nnabugo Prince, and Okafor Blessing Anita.

In another significant operation, NDLEA dismantled a trans-border drug syndicate led by 58-year-old Chinese national Tianzhen Yen, also known as Jackie. Yen was arrested at a hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, after 750 grams of cocaine were intercepted from courier Yakubu Emmanuel Mark, who was en route to Ghana. Items seized from Yen’s hotel room included cocaine, methamphetamine, weighing scales, and a Chinese ID card.

Seizures at Ports and Across States

The NDLEA reported major seizures at ports in recent operations. On November 22, operatives at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos intercepted 92 parcels of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 23.25 kilograms, hidden in vehicles imported from Canada. Additionally, a joint operation at the Onne Ports Complex in Rivers State uncovered two containers containing codeine syrup and tramadol, with a combined street value exceeding ₦4.3 billion.

The NDLEA also intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking across various states. Notable arrests and seizures include:

Ekiti State: On November 17, a 50-year-old physically challenged woman, Mustapha Boja, was arrested with 286 grams of cannabis derivatives.

Edo State: NDLEA operatives seized 1,200.5 kilograms of cannabis during raids, arresting three suspects in the process.

Kano and Bauchi States: Multiple arrests were made, and over 169 kilograms of cannabis were recovered.

Community Engagement: In addition to its enforcement efforts, the agency ramped up its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns in schools and communities nationwide, including in Katsina, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, and Ekiti states.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the agency’s officers for their steadfast dedication to tackling both the supply and demand of drugs across the country.

“These achievements highlight the effectiveness of our balanced approach,” Marwa said, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and public support in the battle against drug abuse and trafficking.

Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.

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