NDLEA raids warehouse in Lagos, recovers N4.8bn worth of illicit drugs

By Biola Adebayo On Aug 20, 2023

NDLEA , warehouse , illicit drugs — NDLEA raids warehouse in Lagos, recovers N4.8bn worth of illicit drugs

Multi-billion naira worth of illicit drugs were again seized at a warehouse tucked in the midst of the popular International Trade Fair Complex, Alaba, Ojo area of Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA on Saturday 19th August.

SOLACEBASE reports that recovered from the warehouse owned by a wanted billionaire drug baron, include: 1.4 million (1,400,000) pills of tramadol 225mg weighing 826kgs; 3.2 million (3,200,000) pills

of codeine with a gross weight of 3,360kgs; and 2,841 cartons of codeine syrup containing 284,100 bottles with 28,410 liters of the psychoactive substance, with a combined street value of Four Billion

Eight Hundred and Twenty Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N4,820,500,000).

A statement issued by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA, Director, Media and Advocacy, in Abuja, on Sunday, said during the operation that lasted hours, a suspect, Paulinus Ojukwu, who is Chief Security Officer to the wanted drug baron who parades as automobile spare parts dealer, was arrested and now assisting ongoing investigation.

‘’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 9th August with Two Million Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand (2,750,000) pills of tramaking, a brand of tramadol 225mg and 250mg recovered from her residence at House 6, C close, 3rd Avenue, Festac area of Lagos and a warehouse located at Plot 3432 Sola Akinsola Street, Divine Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos,‘’ the statement said.

While expressing his satisfaction with the professional conduct of the officers and men involved in the Lagos operations as well as the results of the raids, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) charged operatives to ensure that the fleeing baron is smoked out from his hiding to face charges. He urged them and their colleagues across the country to intensify the heat on drug cartels.