The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted two boats carrying 1,960 kilograms of “Ghanaian Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, during a midnight operation at Eleko Beach in Lekki, Lagos.
The operation, conducted on Christmas Eve, led to the arrest of six foreign nationals who reportedly smuggled the consignment from Ghana via waterways. According to a statement released by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday, the suspects include two Ghanaians—Godsway John (38) and Freedom Kelvin (33)—and four Beninese nationals: Chegoun Hounsou (23), Gadabor Nyameto (47), Adantg Sasa (34), and Ayao Kayivi (21).
In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives apprehended a 48-year-old businessman, Orizu Arthur, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on December 22. Orizu was attempting to board an Air France flight to Paris when he refused a body scan, citing medical reasons.
He was detained for excretion observation and subsequently expelled 74 wraps of Class A drugs over seven days. Orizu, who claims to own a bag shop in Lagos Island’s Balogun Market, admitted he was promised €3,000 to deliver the drugs in Paris.
Other significant arrests include:
- Ibrahim Shaibu (35): Apprehended with 40 parcels of compressed cannabis sativa (35kg) at Central Motor Park, Katsina, on December 25.
- Umar Ahmed (47): Caught with 27 parcels of compressed cannabis sativa (13.5kg) on Zaria-Malumfashi Road, Katsina, on December 28.
- Kosisochukwu Ozigbo (21): Arrested in Benin City, Edo State, on December 23, with 32,490 pills of tramadol, 936 bottles of codeine-based syrup, and various other opioids.
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking across the country, particularly during the festive season.
