NDLEA Busts Major Drug Trafficking Network

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, are intensifying efforts against drug trafficking, intercepting a major cocaine consignment concealed in imported dry stock fish and dismantling a network of suspected traffickers across multiple states in Nigeria.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the agency confirms that the cocaine shipment, cleverly hidden in the heads of dried fish popularly known as “Okporoko,” is intercepted in Lagos during a targeted intelligence-led operation.
Authorities say the operation is based on credible intelligence tracking a transnational syndicate involved in smuggling illicit drugs to international destinations, particularly India.
A key figure identified as 36-year-old Akputa Dickson Ejike is apprehended during a sting operation conducted by the NDLEA Strategic Command at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport axis in Lagos.
A detailed search reveals 237 wraps of cocaine embedded in fish heads, with a total weight of 5.80 kilograms, allegedly prepared for export to Delhi, India.
According to Mediaplusng.com, further investigations uncover additional trafficking attempts involving shipments bound for the United Kingdom, intercepted at a courier facility.
Officials confirm that methamphetamine weighing 1.9 kilograms is hidden in automobile filters, while other parcels contain controlled substances including morphine sulphate and fentanyl.
In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives raid a residence in Yaba, Lagos, leading to the arrest of a suspected drug distributor identified as Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, alongside an associate.
Authorities seize 135 blocks of a cannabis strain known as “Ghana Loud,” weighing over 76 kilograms, indicating an active distribution network operating across borders.
Further enforcement actions result in the apprehension of a 39-year-old suspect in Surulere, Lagos, with the recovery of additional quantities of cannabis.
In Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives arrest an 80-year-old man during a raid, recovering illicit substances including skunk and methamphetamine.
In neighbouring Ondo State, officers raid an uncompleted building and confiscate a significantly larger quantity of psychoactive substances linked to another suspect.
A raid in Guma Local Government Area leads to the recovery of over 100 kilograms of skunk from a suspect, reinforcing concerns over widespread drug distribution networks.
In Ekpoma, NDLEA operatives discover a storage facility containing large volumes of cannabis and codeine-based syrup, resulting in further arrests.
Officials intercept a truck transporting compressed cannabis concealed in animal feed, with suspects taken into custody during the operation.
Beyond enforcement, NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse campaign, conducting sensitization programmes in schools and communities across several states to reduce drug demand.
The Chairman of the NDLEA praises operatives across commands for sustaining a balance between enforcement and public awareness, noting the importance of a comprehensive approach to tackling drug abuse.
Authorities reiterate their determination to disrupt drug supply chains, prosecute offenders, and safeguard communities from the dangers of illicit substances.
Security analysts say the scale and coordination of recent operations demonstrate a strengthened national response to drug trafficking, with increasing collaboration across intelligence and enforcement units.
As investigations progress, the NDLEA signals that more arrests and seizures may follow, as it works to dismantle networks involved in the illegal drug trade both within Nigeria and across international borders.