31st March , 2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Lekki-based businessman, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, over an illicit drug shipment from the United States to Nigeria. The 43-year-old, who runs Damillionz Takeout, was apprehended at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki, while awaiting the delivery of 60 parcels of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest, revealing that the contraband, concealed in seven large cartons, was intercepted on March 12 at a logistics company in Lagos. “After his arrest, a search of his residence uncovered 94 grams of the same psychoactive substance, cannabis crushers, and other drug paraphernalia, bringing the total seized to 32.24 kilograms,” Babafemi stated. The suspect reportedly admitted to engaging in the illicit drug trade since 2017.
In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, intercepted Omoruyi Terry, an Italy-based businessman, attempting to smuggle 1,400 pills of Tramadol 225mg to Italy via Qatar Airways. Described as a frequent traveler and logistics agent, Omoruyi was caught at the screening point of Terminal 2 with 800 grams of the opioid.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, an intelligence-led raid in Daura LGA led to the arrest of four suspects—Baraka Abubakar, Haruna Alitine, Muhammad Babangida, and Hamisu Lawal—found repackaging 86,000 pills of Diazepam and 423 kilograms of compressed skunk. The NDLEA also uncovered and destroyed cannabis farms in Edo State, including plantations in Uhen Forest, Sobe, and Amahor, evacuating over 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa.
Similarly, a patrol along Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger State led to the interception of a Toyota Corolla carrying 179 blocks of compressed skunk, weighing 77.6 kilograms. Two occupants, Paul Christopher and Lucky Star Anumie, were arrested, while another suspect, Isa Iliya, fled before 50 kilograms of skunk were recovered from his residence in Wawa village.
Other drug seizures were recorded in Enugu, Kwara, and Oyo states, with suspects caught possessing significant quantities of illicit substances.
Commending the operatives for their efforts, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking. “Our strategic approach to drug supply and demand reduction is yielding results, thanks to the dedication of our officers,” he said. Marwa also extended Eid-el-Fitr greetings to personnel, stakeholders, and Nigerians, urging continued vigilance in the fight against drug abuse.
