The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency operatives have intercepted various quantities of cocaine and opioids, including tramadol, pentazocine injection, morphine sulphate, and ketamine injection, concealed in shoe soles, and clothes among others.

The illicit drugs were being shipped to the United States, United Kingdom, and Cyprus before the NDLEA operatives seized them.

Also read: NDLEA apprehends Brazil returnee with 60 cocaine wraps in Lagos

A statement on Sunday by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, stated that the NDLEA officers discovered 250 grams of cocaine concealed in the soles of custom-made shoes bound for Cyprus, and over five kilograms of opioids destined for the US and UK.

He said, “The NDLEA intercepted various quantities of cocaine and opioids such as tramadol, pentazocine injection, morphine sulphate, ketamine injection, among others concealed in soles of shoes, clothes and other items being shipped to the United States, United Kingdom and Cyprus.

“While no less than 250 grams of cocaine going to Cyprus was hidden in soles of custom-made shoes, over five kilograms of opioids heading to the US and the UK were discovered by the NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations,, in clothes and other household items meant to be shipped through some courier firms in Lagos.”

He also said operatives of the agency intercepted a consignment of 440 grams of a synthetic strain of cannabis popularly known as Loud which came from Canada to Lagos.

“In the same vein, a consignment of 440 grams of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis coming from Canada to Lagos was equally intercepted by operatives in one of the logistic companies,” Babafemi said.

Additionally, the spokesperson noted that the NDLEA busted a laughing gas warehouse in VGC Lekki in Lagos, adding that a female suspect identified as Suliyat Abdul Salam was arrested during the operation.

Babafemi said, “In Lagos, operatives on Monday 8th July raided a warehouse in VGC, Lekki where they recovered 148 cartons of non-medical nitrous oxide popularly called laughing gas; 108 cartons of fast gas cylinder; 134 pieces of balloon and 109 cartons of infusion charger, among others. A female suspect, Suliyat Abdulsalam was arrested in connection with the seizure.”

In Edo State, Babafemi said the NDLEA on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, intercepted a vehicle marked Abuja GWA 273 DD at the Ewu Junction, Esan Central LGA following credible intelligence.

He added, “The luggage of one of the occupants, Aminu Abdullahi, 32, was searched and found to contain custard containers, where 3,000 pills of tramadol 225mg were buried. In his statement, the suspect claimed the drugs were bought in Onitsha, Anambra State and he was taking them to the Mararaba area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to sell.‘’

Also in Edo State, Babafemi said operatives raided farmlands in Ohen forest and destroyed 5,429.751kg worth of cannabis.

He said, “In another operation, operatives on Thursday 11th July raided the Ohen forest, Abudu area of Edo and destroyed 5,429.751kg of cannabis on 2.918 hectares of farmlands where four suspects: Godday Ariye, 37; Friday Okafor, 59; Obinna Nwosu, 48; and Yusuf Adamu, 27, were arrested. Similarly, 300 kilograms of the same substance were recovered from Uzzeba Obi camp in Owan West LGA when NDLEA officers raided the location on Saturday, July 13.”

In Ogun State, Babafemi said operatives on July 9 recovered a total of 2,865 kilograms of cannabis at Afami Ibese while the suspected owner, Umar Ibese is currently at large.

“At least, 2,455 kilograms of materials for the production of Akuskura, a new psychoactive substance, were recovered from a warehouse in Konduga town, Konduga LGA, Borno State on Tuesday, July 9 when the NDLEA in a joint operation with men of the Nigerian Army raided the area. The following day, Wednesday, July 10, operatives in Katsina State arrested a 54-year-old Sabo Sule with 47kg cannabis in Katsina town,” the statement added.