NDLEA Arrests Businessman for Smuggling Cocaine at Kano Airport
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended Olisaka Chibuzo Calistus, an import/export businessman, for attempting to smuggle 256 wraps of cocaine weighing six kilograms into Nigeria. The arrest occurred at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) during the inward clearance of passengers from Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 941 from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Record Seizure in Kano
The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, described the operation as the largest cocaine interception at the Kano airport since the agency established its command there in 2006.
Calistus was found with the illicit substances concealed in his body during a routine screening.
Other Significant Arrests and Seizures
- Attempted Export of Rohypnol
- An ex-convict, Olanrewaju Bada Akorede, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, for attempting to ship a consignment of rohypnol to South Africa.
- Akorede, previously convicted for a similar crime in 2023, had hidden the drugs among items like gari, shoes, and clothing.
- Tramadol Smuggling by Italy-Based Businesswoman
- Cynthia Akaeen was intercepted at Lagos Airport with 9,190 tramadol tablets weighing 6kg. She admitted she was promised €1,000 for successful delivery in Italy.
- Massive Drug Haul in Anambra and Lagos
- NDLEA recovered 418,330 pills of tramadol and 8,000 bottles of codeine syrup in Anambra.
- A further 180,000 bottles of codeine syrup were seized at Lagos’ Tincan Island Port from a container originating in India.
- Seizures in Borno and Oyo
- Two suspects in Maiduguri were arrested with tramadol capsules, a pistol, and ammunition.
- In Oyo, Gafar Saminu was arrested with 33.5kg of cannabis sativa.
- Cannabis and Psychoactive Substances
- Multiple arrests were made in states like Borno, Lagos, and Enugu, with significant quantities of cannabis, tramadol, diazepam, and other substances seized.
Ongoing Campaigns
The NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) by holding sensitization lectures in schools, religious centers, and workplaces across the country.
Commendation and Call to Action
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), NDLEA’s Chairman/CEO, praised the agency’s officers for their efforts. He urged them to sustain the momentum in both drug supply reduction and demand reduction strategies, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach in combating drug abuse and trafficking.
