Drug Busts Across Nigeria Net Hundreds of Kilograms of Cocaine, Cannabis, and Opioid Painkillers
Nigeria has seen a series of alarming drug busts, with authorities seizing hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, cannabis, and various prescription opioids and painkillers over the past few weeks. The busts highlight the continuing flow of illicit substances into the country and the efforts authorities are taking to combat drug trafficking.
Cocaine Smuggled in Stomach Found at Lagos Airport
A 59-year-old businessman was arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after arriving on a flight from Brazil. Authorities discovered almost 700 grams of cocaine concealed in his stomach.
“As a result, he was placed under excretion observation, during which he expelled 29 wraps of substances that tested positive for cocaine weighing 700 grams,” said a statement by the NDLEA.
“In his statement, the suspect claimed he operates an African store in Brazil where he sells provisions, shoes and clothes. He added that he bought the illicit consignment in Sao Paulo to resell in Nigeria to raise substantial capital to boost his business.
Courier Containing Cocaine, Pain Medication Intercepted
In another operation, two postal packages containing cocaine and pentazocine injection meant for the United Kingdom were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos.
“Meanwhile, the NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Investigation and General Investigation, on Tuesday, November 26, intercepted two consignments containing cocaine and pentazocine injection going to the United Kingdom via a courier company in Lagos. While the cocaine weighing 200 grams was concealed in local fabrics, 40 ampoules of pentazocine injection weighing 110 grams were hidden in cartons.”
Thousands of Painkillers Seized during Kano Drug Raid
Three individuals were arrested and over 3 million painkiller pills were seized in Kano State on November 28.
“In Kano State, the NDLEA operatives on November 28 arrested three suspects: Jamilu Adamu, 38; Umar Musa, 32; and Bunu Ali, 27, with 2,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 3,135,000 pills exol-5 at Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria Road.
Ghanaian Cannabis Confiscated in Lagos and Ogun States
Two seizures of a strong strain of Ghanaian cannabis, known as “Ghanaian Loud,” were carried out. The first seizure on November 28 at Ilesan Beach in Lagos yielded 120 kilograms of marijuana, while a previous seizure on November 25 in Ogun State netted 472 kilograms of the cannabis.
“No fewer than two 120 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis produced in Ghana, were intercepted by the NDLEA operatives at the Ilesan Beach, Lagos, on Thursday, November 28. A suspect, Onibogi Muftau, was arrested in connection with the seizure, while four vehicles that were to convey the shipments from the waterfront were also recovered,”
Two additional suspects were arrested in Edo State. During a raid싹 in Benin City, authorities recovered 185.6 kilograms of cannabis and a Toyota Previa bus used to transport the substance.
“Babafemi further disclosed that in Edo State, the NDLEA operatives conducted an intelligence-led raid on Ukuwague Street, Benin City, on Thursday, November 28, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, 60-year-old Monday Onyenemue and 42-year-old Evans Omogiede.
He added that during the operation, officers recovered 185.6 kilograms of cannabis and a Toyota Previa bus with registration number BEN 06XL used to transport the illicit substance.”
The innovative combination of large-scale drug seizures reveals the complexity of Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs and trafficking, highlighting the need for dedicated efforts and resources to combat this ongoing issue.
What are the primary drug trafficking routes passing through Nigeria?
## Interview: Nigeria’s Recent Drug Busts
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is [Guest Name], an expert on drug trafficking in West Africa.
*Guest* sits down
**Host:** We’ve seen a string of alarming headlines lately about drug seizures across Nigeria. Cocaine, cannabis, painkillers – the list goes on. Can you shed some light on what’s behind this recent surge in activity?
**Guest:** Absolutely. Nigeria unfortunately sits at a crossroads for drug trafficking routes. We’re seeing drugs coming from South America, countries like Brazil, as evidenced by this recent case of a businessman caught with cocaine in his stomach at Lagos airport [[1](https://bigpenngr.com/2024/12/01/35-years-after-leaving-nigeria-brazil-based-businessman-caught-with-700g-of-cocaine-in-lagos/)].
**Host:** That’s a shocking case indeed – a lot of creative concealment tactics are being used.
**Guest:** Precisely. Smugglers are always evolving their methods, from hiding drugs in packages to concealing them in the human body. And it’s not just cocaine. The seizures of painkillers, both in Lagos and Kano [[2](https://www.example.com/article-2)], highlight a growing problem with prescription drug abuse. These highly addictive medications are often diverted from legitimate medical channels and end up on the black market.
**Host:** And what about the impact of this drug trade on Nigerian society?
**Guest:** The consequences are dire. The influx of drugs fuels violence, crime, and addiction, destroying lives and communities.
**Host:** What can be done to stem this tide?
**Guest:** It requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening law enforcement at borders and airports is crucial, as is increasing international cooperation to target transnational criminal networks. Equally important is addressing the underlying social and economic conditions that make people vulnerable to drug abuse, such as poverty and lack of opportunities.
**Host:** A complex challenge, no doubt. Thank you for your insights, [Guest Name].
**Guest:** My pleasure.
