NDLEA intercepts N5bn worth of drugs at ports, arrests Milan-bound businessman

NDLEA intercepts N5bn worth of drugs at ports, arrests Milan-bound businessman

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted illicit drug consignments worth more than N5 billion at major Nigerian seaports and arrested a businessman allegedly attempting to smuggle 4.8kg of cocaine to Milan, Italy.

The seizures were recorded during separate operations at the Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, as well as the Onne Port in Rivers State, according to the anti-narcotics agency.

At Apapa Port, NDLEA operatives intercepted a container containing about 3.5 tonnes of skunk, a strain of cannabis. The agency said the consignment had been imported from Canada and was concealed among items declared as used vehicles and household goods.

At Tin Can Island Port, officers discovered another consignment of cocaine concealed in shoe soles during the examination of imported cargo from Canada.

A further seizure was made at Onne Port, where NDLEA operatives intercepted consignments containing cannabis and other illicit substances.

The agency put the combined value of the seized drugs at more than N5 billion.

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In a separate operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, NDLEA officers arrested a businessman allegedly preparing to travel to Milan, Italy, with cocaine concealed in the soles of shoes.

The suspect was arrested during an outbound operation after officers discovered 4.80 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in his luggage.

NDLEA said the suspect was scheduled to travel to Milan when he was stopped for further checks. The agency subsequently took him into custody as investigations continued.

The latest operations highlight the various methods allegedly used by drug trafficking networks to move illicit substances across Nigeria’s borders, including concealing drugs in commercial cargo and everyday items such as footwear.

The NDLEA has continued to strengthen surveillance at Nigeria’s seaports and international airports, with particular attention on consignments and passengers suspected of involvement in drug trafficking.

The agency said the latest interceptions demonstrate its continued efforts to disrupt the supply chain for illicit drugs and prevent Nigeria from being used as a transit point for international drug trafficking.

Investigations into the seizures and arrests are ongoing, with the agency expected to prosecute suspects where sufficient evidence is established.

The businessman and other suspects remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

NDLEA intercepts N5bn worth of drugs at ports, arrests Milan-bound businessman