NDLEA operatives seized 1,960kg of cannabis, arrested six foreigners at Eleko Beach, Lagos. The drugs were smuggled from Ghana via waterways.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a significant drug shipment at Eleko Beach in Lekki, Lagos, arresting six foreign nationals in the process.

The operation, which took place on Christmas Eve, led to the seizure of 1,960 kilogrammes of cannabis, commonly known as “Ghanaian Loud.”

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At approximately 2:30 am on December 24, NDLEA’s Marine Command intercepted two boats loaded with the illicit substance.

The suspects, who were all involved in smuggling the cannabis from Ghana, included two Ghanaians – Godsway John (38) and Freedom Kelvin (33) – and four Beninese nationals: Chegoun Hounsou (23), Gadabor Nyameto (47), Adantg Sasa (34), and Ayao Kayivi (21).

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, revealed that the operation targeted the smuggling network that had brought the drugs into Nigeria via the waterways.

He said, “The cannabis consignments were smuggled from Ghana into Nigeria, where they were intercepted and the suspects arrested.”

In a separate operation, a 48-year-old businessman, Orizu Arthur, was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on December 22.

He was attempting to board an Air France flight to Paris when his refusal to undergo a body scan raised suspicion.

Following a body examination, 74 wraps of Class A drugs were recovered from him, which he had ingested. Orizu had hoped to receive 3,000 Euros for successfully delivering the drugs to Paris.

The NDLEA also reported multiple arrests in other parts of Nigeria, including the apprehension of suspects in Katsina and Benin City.

Ibrahim Shaibu (35) was caught with 35kg of compressed cannabis on Christmas Day in Katsina, while Umar Ahmed (47) was detained on December 28 with 13.5kg of the same substance.

In Benin City, a 21-year-old suspect, Kosisochukwu Ozigbo, was arrested with large quantities of tramadol, codeine-based syrup, and other opioids.