The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on illicit drug trade, intercepting heroin smugglers at Lagos and Port Harcourt airports. The arrests, made over the weekend, highlight Nigeria’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking and its broader societal impact.
In Port Harcourt, NDLEA operatives arrested 30-year-old Onyekwonike Elochuckwu Sylvanus, who traveled under a Sierra Leonean alias, Kargbo Mohamed Foday. Sylvanus, arriving from Doha via Abuja, was found to have ingested 62 wraps of heroin weighing 1.348 kilograms. “After a body scan confirmed he had ingested drugs, he excreted the illicit substances in five sessions,” the NDLEA stated.
Investigations revealed Sylvanus alternated between two identities for trafficking missions to countries like Thailand and Pakistan. He reportedly turned to drug smuggling in 2017 after his clothing business collapsed.
In a separate operation, James Herbert Chinoso, 48, was arrested at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Chinoso, arriving from Madagascar via Addis Ababa, excreted 63 wraps of heroin weighing 909 grams. “I turned to drug trafficking after my phone accessories business in Liberia failed,” Chinoso confessed during interrogation.
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The agency also intercepted parcels containing 2.82 kilograms of “Loud,” a potent strain of synthetic cannabis, smuggled from the U.S. through a Lagos courier service. Additional seizures included 80 ampoules of pentazocine injections bound for Canada.
Nationwide Seizures Continue
Elsewhere, NDLEA operatives in Kano arrested two suspects concealing 15,396 tramadol pills in a gas cylinder. Another suspect, Choima Okeke, was caught with 15 kilograms of cannabis in Sabon Gari.
In Kogi State, the agency intercepted 12,800 tramadol pills on the Kabba-Obajana highway, arresting a suspect. Another haul included 65 parcels of Colorado (1.6 kilograms) en route to Jigawa State.
NDLEA’s efforts reflect its commitment to combating drug trafficking, a major driver of crime and societal harm in Nigeria. According to the agency, it seized over 537 kilograms of illicit drugs in Yobe alone last year. “Our operations continue to uncover new trafficking networks. We are determined to protect Nigerians from the devastating effects of these substances,” an NDLEA spokesperson said.
Broader Impacts
Drug trafficking poses significant threats to Nigeria’s economy and public health. Beyond addiction and crime, experts warn that the illicit drug trade undermines community stability. The NDLEA’s actions underscore the urgency of addressing these challenges to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
