Across various locations, authorities have launched significant operations leading to the seizure of large amounts of illegal drugs and the arrest of individuals involved in trafficking. These recent events showcase the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the drug trade and its associated criminal activities.
One of the more notable incidents transpired at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Nigeria, where 50-year-old businessman Iheanacho Osuoha was apprehended for reportedly swallowing 90 wraps of cocaine. The arrest occurred during the routine examination of passengers arriving from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on November 25, 2024. An extensive investigation revealed his movement was highly calculated, aimed at obscuring his travel history. He had traveled overland from Gabon to Douala, Cameroon, and then taken a flight to Addis Ababa, where he ingested the drugs before heading to Nigeria.
According to spokesperson Femi Babafemi from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Osuoha was under surveillance prior to his arrest, having been on their watchlist for three months. During his detention, he excreted 90 pellets of cocaine, weighing about 2.019 kilograms. Osuoha later disclosed his desperate financial situation, claiming he turned to the drug trade to support his declining phone accessories business.
Simultaneously, the NDLEA dismantled another drug syndicate led by Chinese national Tianzhen Yen, nicknamed Jackie. On November 21, agents intercepted Yakubu Emmanuel Mark, the driver of a commercial bus bound for Ghana, who had concealed 750 grams of cocaine. Following intelligence leads, investigators located Yen at his hotel, where they seized additional drugs including 4.3 grams of cocaine and 1 gram of methamphetamine. This operation is part of the agency's broader crackdown on drug trafficking rings across Nigeria.
Mark's arrest was not isolated. Close coordination among various enforcement units has become key to dismantling such networks. Babafemi reported the apprehension of Ndive Obinna, head of another drug distribution operation, along with five associates, where NDLEA officials recovered 2.412 kilograms of cocaine.
While the NDLEA's extensive operations continue, there was also significant success at the Tin Can Seaport, where operatives uncovered 92 parcels of Loud, a potent synthetic cannabis strain, amounting to 23.25 kilograms. The drugs were cleverly concealed within two vehicles imported from Canada.
Highlighting the scale of the crackdown, authorities at the Port Harcourt Port complex also seized two containers of imported opioids valued at approximately N4.3 billion ($5.5 million). This massive haul included 168,000 bottles of codeine syrup and 4.5 million pills of tramadol, showcasing the scale at which these illicit substances are trafficked.
Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere. The Indian Coast Guard recently made headlines with the seizure of around 5 tonnes of drugs from a fishing boat near the Andaman Islands, marking one of its largest drug busts to date. The ICG highlighted the operation's complexity, noting it involved collaboration with agencies including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Navy.
This seizure followed another significant operation earlier this month where about 700 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized off the Gujarat coast, resulting in the arrest of eight Iranian nationals. The NCB reported they have intercepted approximately 3,500 kilograms of drugs trafficked via maritime routes just this year, indicating the extensive reach of international drug trafficking networks.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah commented on these operations, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency coordination and the commitment of the Indian government to combat drug smuggling.
Continuing this trend of swift action, the NDLEA highlighted arrests beyond Lagos and Enugu. For example, on November 17, agents detained Mustapha Boja, a 50-year-old woman, who was found with 286 grams of cannabis during operations in Ekiti State. This reflects the agency's commitment to tackling drug offenses at all levels.
Authorities also reported additional recoveries of various drug forms and quantities, reinforcing the seriousness of the drug problem. The NDLEA conducted multiple raids across several states, each resulting in the discovery of illegal substances, demonstrating how pervasive this issue has become.
With law enforcement agencies stepping up their operations against trafficking organizations and drug rings, the impact of these seizures is being felt across communities, as the fight against drugs takes large strides forward. The NDLEA and Indian Coast Guard, among others, are showing determined resolve against dangerous narcotics, aiming to restore safety and security.
