Ninety persons, including an Indian, were arrested by Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during raids on the hideouts of drug cartels in Lagos State.
614.396 kilograms of various hard drugs were confiscated during the operation.
The agency also announced the seizure of a container load of tramadol at the Apapa seaport in Lagos, estimated at about 2 million capsules tucked in 554 cartons.
Samuel Gadzama, Apapa Seaport Area Commander of the NDLEA, said one of the containers bearing the illicit drug had earlier been intercepted and seized in Kenya.
“Though the second container found its way to Nigeria, the eagle eyes of our narcotic agents discovered it during a joint inspection of the ship. We’re continuing with further investigations”, he said.
Also, the agency raided some drug spots in Agege, Ikorodu, Lekki, Okokomaiko and other parts of the state.
Major drug syndicates hideouts were destroyed while some suspects were arrested and large quantities of hard drugs were seized.
Ralph Igwenagu, the State Commander of the NDLEA, listed items seized.
He said, “A total of 577.020kg of cannabis Sativa was seized; cocaine, 0.183kg; heroine, 0.003kg, Tramadol, 36.202kg (7,697 tablets); Rohypnol, 0.208kg (646 tablets); Diazapam, 0.462kg (2,066 tablets); and Exol-5, 0.52kg (316 tablets), making a total of 614.396kg of different types of hard drugs.
“One of the drug syndicates busted during the raids is coordinated by one Samuel Ebenezer in Lekki, whose cartel imports special sophisticated drugs baked in cakes, biscuits and cookies from the United States and sells to the rich and affluent people in Lekki and Lagos Island.
“The second syndicate is coordinated by an Indian, Inderpreet Singh, alias Bobby, that imports Tramadol 225mg from India and sells in Nigeria from his Osy Agomo Close, Apple Estate, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos. Mr Singh is also a dealer in tricycle parts and the Managing Director of Rashaan Trading Limited. Arrested with him is a Nigerian, one Sylvester Omorodion.”
The Chairman/ Chief Executive, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd) while commending the commanders and officers involved in the operation urged them to remain focused on the fight against illicit drug users, peddlers, traffickers and barons.
