The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the interception of over N2 billion worth of methamphetamine concealed in automobile parts from Canada.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, two separate shipments containing a total of 83.301 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized from containers en route to warehouses in the Ladipo automobile parts market in Lagos.
The first shipment was intercepted on December 12 at the Sifax bonded terminal in Lagos. It contained 5.001 kg of methamphetamine hidden in a bag wrapped in a bedsheet, concealed within a Toyota Camry vehicle. Businessman Isaac Onwumere, linked to the consignment, was arrested.
The second shipment, intercepted on December 13, was even larger. It included 1,735 parcels of “Loud” (a potent form of cannabis), weighing 867.5 kg, and six plastic coolers containing 87 packs of methamphetamine weighing 78.3 kg. Two other suspects, Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe, were arrested in connection with this seizure.
Together, the methamphetamine consignments are valued at N124.95 million, while the 867.5 kg of “Loud” has a street value of N2.17 billion.
The drugs were discovered following months of intelligence gathering and joint examination of the shipments with the Nigeria Customs Service and other port stakeholders.
The operation tracked the consignments from their departure in Toronto, Canada, to their arrival at the Tincan Port in Lagos.
The NDLEA noted that both shipments had been under surveillance since early October, when they were flagged by the agency’s intelligence network in Canada.
“This success is a testament to our commitment and collaboration with key stakeholders in the fight against drug trafficking,” said Babafemi, highlighting the agency’s ongoing efforts to prevent the influx of illicit substances into the country.
The NDLEA continues to intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking, ensuring that perpetrators face the full force of the law.