The recent bust by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered an organized criminal network responsible for smuggling illicit drugs, arms, and ammunition from Durban, South Africa to the Tincan seaport in Lagos. Among those apprehended as part of this syndicate are Falowo Samuel Kayode, a clearing agent for the containers, dock worker Anjorin Idowu, and Uzairu Ahmed Iguda, who oversees operations at the Five Star terminal.
Investigations unveiled that the trio collaborated to move 192.7kg of Colorado, a pistol, and ammunition from one container to another within the terminal. Another key member of the syndicate, Mohammed Muktar Sule, is currently evading law enforcement.
NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed these developments in a statement issued on Sunday. The agency uncovered 56.39kg of cocaine and 795kg of Colorado during a joint examination of containers MSCU 4581770 and TRHU 7968071 on January 18 and 19, 2024.
Further probing led to the seizure of a total of 56.39kg of cocaine and 987.9kg of Colorado, amounting to 1,044.29kg from the two containers. The agency identified three kingpins based in South Africa—Odeyemi Taiwo Emmanuel, Akinyemi Olayinka, and Adebayo Adewole Emmanuel—who are now wanted by authorities.
In a separate operation in Edo State, NDLEA raided a drug joint in Benin City, resulting in the arrest of a salesgirl named Jessica Destiny and the proprietor, Ibrahim Sani, who also commands the Arewa Association Vigilantes.
Across various states, NDLEA officers intercepted multiple drug trafficking attempts. From Lagos to Kano, at Jega-Sokoto Road in Kebbi State, and in different locations in Borno, Kaduna, Abuja, Anambra, and more, individuals were apprehended with narcotics. Operations also led to the discovery of drugs concealed in courier shipments destined for the UK and Cyprus.
Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), lauded the efforts of officers from multiple commands for their vigilance. He commended the WADA advocacy lectures conducted nationwide to address both drug supply reduction and demand reduction.
