NDLEA Arrests 75-Year-Old Suspected Drug Dealer in Ebonyi

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, intercepting a massive consignment of opioids concealed in a truck carrying building materials in Taraba State and arresting a 75-year-old suspected drug dealer in Ebonyi State.

The operations, which also led to the arrest of four notorious female drug dealers in Edo, Imo, Kano and Gombe states, underscore the agency’s continuing efforts to dismantle drug supply networks across the country.

According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the biggest seizure was recorded in Taraba State, where NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a truck transporting building materials from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Jalingo.

A thorough search of the vehicle at Nukkai Timber Shade in Jalingo, according to Babafemi, uncovered a large cache of illicit drugs hidden beneath the cargo. A 22-year-old suspect, Buhari Abdullahi, was arrested in connection with the consignment.

He revealed that items recovered from the truck included 320,840 capsules of tramadol, 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 4,500 tablets of Rohypnol and 299 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup.

He noted that the seizure is one of the largest opioid interceptions recorded by the agency in recent months and comes amid growing concerns over the abuse of prescription opioids and other psychoactive substances, particularly among young people.

In Ebonyi State, NDLEA operatives arrested 75-year-old Okebe Samuel in Okposi community after he was allegedly found in possession of 300 grammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis, packaged for retail distribution.

According to the agency, the suspect had been selling the substance in sachets to youths within the community.

The arrest highlights the agency’s determination to pursue offenders regardless of age, as drug trafficking and abuse continue to pose significant public health and security challenges across Nigeria.

In neighbouring Imo State, officers raided a notorious drug enclave in Umulolo, Orlu, leading to the arrest of 32-year-old Chioma Okeke and the recovery of eight kilograms of skunk.

He stated that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug distribution centres operating in the South-East region.

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives carried out coordinated raids on identified drug hotspots in Benin City, resulting in the arrest of four suspected traffickers, including three women.

At Uyosa, Benin City, officers arrested Chioma Igba, 24, and Precious Ozomah, 22, with assorted illicit substances, including skunk, Loud and methamphetamine.

Another suspect, Anita Abraham, 21, was apprehended along Agbor Road with quantities of Scottish Loud and regular Loud, while a male suspect, Henry Okey, 43, was arrested at Upper Mission with a cache of psychotropic substances, including Loud, Colorado, Swinol and methamphetamine.

In Kano State, NDLEA operatives arrested 19-year-old Saifullahi Lawan in the Kafi area of Madobi Local Government Area after recovering 40 blocks of skunk weighing 38 kilogrammes.

Similarly, in Gombe State, officers intercepted 28-year-old Ugwu Ifebuchi near Dantiti Plaza in the Tumfure area of the state capital and recovered 15,000 capsules of tramadol from him.

Beyond enforcement activities, the agency said it continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign across the country, conducting sensitisation programmes in schools and communities aimed at discouraging drug abuse among young Nigerians.

Reacting to the operations, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Buba Marwa, commended officers and personnel in Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Kano and Gombe states for their vigilance and commitment.

Marwa reiterated the agency’s resolve to sustain pressure on drug trafficking networks nationwide, stressing that traffickers would continue to be pursued regardless of their age, gender or methods of concealment.

He also urged commands across the country to maintain a balance between drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction strategies as part of efforts to curb substance abuse and protect communities from the devastating impact of illicit drugs.