NDLEA recovers N4.8bn drugs at Lagos warehouse

The operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have recovered illicit drugs worth N4.8 billion at a warehouse tucked in the midst of the popular International Trade Fair Complex, Alaba in the Ojo area of Lagos State.

Recovered from the warehouse owned by a wanted billionaire drug baron on Saturday, August 19, 2023, include 1.4 million pills of tramadol 225mg weighing 826kgs; 3.2 million pills of codeine with gross weight of 3,360kgs; and 2,841 cartons of codeine syrup containing 284,100 bottles with 28,410 litres of the psychoactive substance, with a combined street value of N4.8 billion.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, August 20.

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Babafemi stated that the NDLEA operatives, during the operation that lasted hours, arrested a suspect, Paulinus Ojukwu, who is Chief Security Officer to the wanted drug baron who parades as automobile spare parts dealer.

According to him, the latest drug warehouse bust is coming on the heels of the arrest of a drug baroness, Faith Ebele Nwankwo, who was nabbed on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, with 2.7 million pills of tramaking, a brand of tramadol 225mg and 250mg, at her residence at House 6, C close, 3rd Avenue in the Festac area of Lagos, and a warehouse located at Plot 3432 Sola Akinsola Street, Divine Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

While expressing his satisfaction with the professional conduct of the anti-narcotics officers, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), charged them to ensure that the fleeing baron is smoked out from his hiding to face charges.

Marwa also urged them and their colleagues across the country to intensify the heat on drug cartels.

The Star