By Erewunmi Peace

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled multiple drug syndicates operating across six states, seizing over 14,000 kilograms of cannabis (skunk) and other controlled substances, in a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the operations were intelligence-led and coordinated, targeting key drug distribution hubs in Osun, Edo, Ogun, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara States.

The largest seizure occurred in Ife South, Osun State, where 11,135 kilograms of processed skunk were recovered, along with trucks used to transport the drugs. In Edo State, NDLEA intercepted 1,902 kilograms of cannabis, while in Ogun, 68 kilograms of skunk and 3.15 kilograms of methamphetamine were confiscated. Adamawa State authorities also seized 396,000 tramadol capsules at Yola Airport.

In a related operation in Lagos, NDLEA arrested a wanted drug kingpin, Frank Chijioke Ibemesi (aka Chisco Bee), recovering 1,762.8 kilograms of high-potency cannabis (“Loud”) and substantial foreign currencies hidden in a warehouse.

The agency noted that the busts are part of ongoing efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and prevent its negative impact on Nigerian youths. Officials highlighted that the operations disrupted the networks of syndicates that had been smuggling and distributing narcotics across multiple states.

These seizures are among the largest NDLEA operations in recent years and are valued in the multi-billion-naira range, signaling a significant blow to organized drug trafficking in the country.