HomeCrime#Traditional Chief Priest Arrested as NDLEA Seizes Codeine Worth ₦1.1bn, Cannabis, and...

#Traditional Chief Priest Arrested as NDLEA Seizes Codeine Worth ₦1.1bn, Cannabis, and Other Illicit Drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a Lagos-based traditional chief priest, Bariu Aliu, alongside the seizure of drugs worth billions of naira in multiple operations across Nigeria.

Chief Priest Arrested Over Drug Syndicate Activities

Aliu, also known as “Malo,” was arrested at the Igunuko shrine in Alpha Beach, Ajah, Lagos, following a three-month manhunt. The NDLEA alleges that he is the leader of a drug trafficking syndicate responsible for the recovery of 2,760 kilograms of skunk at the shrine in October 2024.

Two of Aliu’s accomplices had previously been arrested, charged, and convicted for their roles in the syndicate.

Massive Drug Hauls in Abuja and Port Harcourt

The NDLEA conducted a series of intelligence-led operations, intercepting significant consignments of illicit drugs:

  1. Abuja
    • A 40ft trailer carrying 2,217.6 kilograms of skunk was intercepted at an abandoned fuel station in Kagini, Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
    • Six vehicles used for distribution, including Toyota vans and sedans, were also seized.
    • A suspect, 42-year-old Isaac Monday Desmond, was arrested.
  2. Port Harcourt
    • Joint operations at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex led to the seizure of 338,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup valued at over ₦1.1 billion.
    • The operation was carried out in collaboration with Customs and other security agencies.

Other Notable Seizures and Arrests

  • Lagos: 20 wraps of cocaine weighing 330 grams were intercepted from cargo destined for Australia.
  • FCT: Two suspects, Anthony Nnamdi and Abba Ali, were caught with 1.398 kilograms of cocaine and precursor chemicals used in producing crack cocaine.
  • Kano: Officers raided Gadar Tamburawa on Zaria Road, recovering 45 blocks of cannabis (24.2 kilograms) and 40,800 pills of opioids, including tramadol. The suspect, 23-year-old Habibu Ya’u, was arrested.

NDLEA Commends Officers’ Efforts

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the officers for their dedication to reducing drug trafficking and abuse in the country. He noted that the agency’s successes highlight a balanced approach to drug supply and demand reduction.

These operations reflect the NDLEA’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking and ensuring a safer Nigeria.

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