In a significant operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered drugs worth ₦4.4 billion concealed in the lavatories of an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. This operation, conducted on November 10, 2024, is part of the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The NDLEA has been intensifying its crackdown on illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria, with Lagos being a major focus due to its status as a key entry and exit point for international flights. The agency collaborates with other security agencies, including Customs, to intercept drug shipments and apprehend suspects involved in the drug trade.
During a routine inspection at MMIA, NDLEA operatives discovered a large quantity of drugs hidden in the lavatories of an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft. The drugs, which included various narcotics, were meticulously concealed to avoid detection. The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, stated, “This seizure is a testament to the vigilance and dedication of our operatives. We will continue to intensify our efforts to rid the country of illicit drugs.”
In addition to the airport seizure, the NDLEA also intercepted a container loaded with over 31 million pills of 240 mg of Voltron at the Apapa seaport. The pills, misdeclared as diclofenac sodium tablets from India, were discovered during a routine inspection.
The NDLEA’s Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd.), commended the operatives for their dedication and stressed the importance of ongoing surveillance and collaboration with other agencies. “Our operatives have shown exceptional commitment in the fight against drug trafficking. We will not relent until we dismantle these criminal networks,” Marwa said.
The successful operations have been widely praised by the public and government officials, who see them as crucial steps in curbing the drug menace in Nigeria. The NDLEA has also been conducting sensitization lectures and advocacy visits to schools, workplaces, and communities to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
