The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) disclosed that it intercepted a large consignment of drugs at the Tincan Port Complex in Lagos.
A statement from NDLEA issued on Sunday, detailed that on September 17 and 20, 2024, NDLEA officers seized 25 million tapentadol pills, an opioid stronger than tramadol, and 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup from three containers flagged through intelligence monitoring.
The street value of the tapentadol is estimated at ₦13.7 billion, while the codeine is valued at ₦2.45 billion, totaling ₦14.95 billion.
The first container, examined on September 17, contained 500 cartons of tapentadol pills. Another container checked the same day had 175,000 bottles of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine. On September 20, another container was found holding 175,000 bottles of CSC codeine syrup.
In other operations across the country, NDLEA officers arrested multiple drug traffickers.
On September 20 in Lagos, an 80-year-old man, Pa Aremu Shojobi, was arrested for possessing 14 kilograms of cannabis. He confessed to selling drugs for 25 years.
Meanwhile on September 18, NDLEA officers raided the homes of Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Talba, a community leader in Badagry, Lagos, recovering 226 kg of cannabis from his two wives and son. Talba is currently on the run.
NDLEA agents also made arrests in other states.
A drug mule was caught at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on September 15 attempting to smuggle 76 wraps of cocaine. In Kogi, 700,000 exol-5 pills were recovered on September 17, while in Niger state, a man was arrested with large quantities of tramadol, diazepam, and codeine. Officers also seized cannabis in Rivers and Plateau states.
NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) with awareness programmes held in schools and communities nationwide.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, praised officers for their efforts in reducing drug supply and demand across the country.