Truckload of hidden drugs busted as NDLEA arrests grandfather

By Ibironke Ariyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted large consignments of various opioids and other illicit substances concealed in building materials in Taraba State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi said a major blow was dealt to opioid trafficking networks in Taraba on Saturday following credible intelligence that led to the interception of a truck conveying building materials from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Jalingo.

“A thorough search of the vehicle by NDLEA operatives at the Nukkai Timber Shade in Jalingo led to the discovery of a massive drug stash concealed beneath the cargo.

“A 22-year-old suspect was promptly arrested.

“Officials recovered 320,840 capsules of tramadol, 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 4,500 tablets of Rohypnol, and 299 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup from the truck,” he said.

Babafemi also said that, as part of the agency’s ongoing nationwide offensive against drug cartels, NDLEA operatives arrested a 75-year-old grandfather in Ebonyi State.

According to him, the suspect was found in possession of 300 grammes of skunk, which he allegedly sold in retail sachets to youths in his community.

In Imo State, NDLEA officers raided a known drug enclave in Umulolo, Orlu.

The operation led to the arrest of a suspected female drug dealer, 32-year-old Chioma Okeke, and the recovery of 8.8 kilogrammes of skunk, he added. (NAN)