The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested two businessmen in Lagos for drug trafficking, seizing large shipments of illegal substances in separate operations.
One of the suspects, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, a Lekki-based businessman and owner of Damillionz Takeout, was caught in connection with a shipment of 60 parcels of Loud, a strong type of cannabis, from the United States.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest on Sunday, saying Ebenezer was apprehended at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki, on March 24 while waiting for the delivery of the drugs.
The agency had earlier seized seven large cartons of the illicit drugs at a Lagos logistics company on March 12. A search of his home led to the discovery of more cannabis, a crusher, and other drug-related items, bringing the total weight of drugs recovered from him to 32.24 kilograms.
“During questioning, the suspect admitted he had been involved in drug trafficking since 2017,” Babafemi stated.
In a separate operation at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, NDLEA officers intercepted Omoruyi Terry, a businessman, attempting to smuggle 1,400 Tramadol pills to Italy.
Omoruyi was stopped at the screening point of Terminal 2 while trying to board a Qatar Airways flight. Investigations revealed that he frequently traveled to Italy and worked as a logistics agent.
NDLEA operatives in Katsina arrested four suspects—Baraka Abubakar, Haruna Alitine, Muhammad Babangida, and Hamisu Lawal—during a raid on Godai village in Daura. Officers seized 684 blocks of compressed cannabis, weighing 423 kilograms, and 86,000 diazepam tablets.
In Edo State, NDLEA destroyed 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa in forest operations between March 24 and 28. Officers identified and set fire to four plantations in Uhen, Sobe, and Amahor forests.
Similarly, in Niger State, officers intercepted a black Toyota Corolla on the Mokwa-Jebba Road. The car, occupied by Paul Christopher and Lucky Star Anumie, contained 179 blocks of compressed cannabis (77.6 kilograms) hidden in a false compartment. Another 50 kilograms were found in a house belonging to a suspect, Isa Iliya, in Wawa village.
Other arrests included:
- 108.5 kilograms of cannabis seized from shops in Aria New Market, Enugu.
- 25 kilograms recovered from a suspect, Abdulrazak Saka, in Kilako, Ilorin.
- 2.5 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud and 515 grams of Colorado seized from Suli Saheed in Ibadan.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), praised the officers for their efforts in fighting drug crimes.
“Our operations, along with our strategies to reduce drug supply and demand, are producing good results. We remain committed to a drug-free society,” Marwa said.
As part of its efforts, the NDLEA is also increasing its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign in schools, workplaces, and communities nationwide.
