The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a previously convicted drug trafficker and three cargo agents following the seizure of cocaine concealed in laundry starch sachets destined for the United Kingdom.
The primary suspect, 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, was apprehended on Sunday, Dec. 21, at a relaxation center in Ikeja. His arrest followed a follow-up operation linked to the interception of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms.
The illicit drugs were discovered in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).
According to a statement by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, three cargo agents Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane were initially arrested on Dec. 20 before investigations identified Nwobodo as the mastermind.
Nwobodo is a repeat offender who was previously convicted in December 2023 for dealing 30.10kg of methamphetamine. In that case, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine, which he paid.
The agency reported a series of successful raids and interceptions across several states between Dec. 19 and Dec. 25.
On Dec. 22, operatives destroyed wooden warehouses in the Ara forest, Ekiti, recovering 638kg of cannabis.
In Edo State, 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis (883.1kg) were seized from three vehicles on the Igara-Auchi road.
Raids in the Yakurr LGA led to the arrest of three suspects—Freedom Jonah Akpama, David Itam David, and Nelson Arikpo Osam—with a combined 908kg of cannabis. In a separate incident, 42-year-old Joy Oisamaye was arrested on the Abaji-Abuja expressway with 38kg of cannabis.
Seaport Arrest: Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown) was arrested in Apapa on Dec. 19. He was wanted in connection with a Dec. 10 seizure of 26kg of “Loud” (a cannabis strain) at the Tincan seaport.
Arrests were made in Badagry, Taraba, and Gombe. Notable seizures included 27,900 tramadol pills and 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection intercepted along the Gombe-Biu highway.
Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the various commands for their vigilance during the festive season and urged officers to maintain high professional standards.
Alongside enforcement, the agency continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization efforts, holding enlightenment lectures at schools and community centers in Anambra, Katsina, and Kogi states.
