The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has intercepted a large consignment of cocaine concealed in the heads of imported dry stock fish, popularly known as Okporoko, and arrested a suspected drug trafficker linked to an international syndicate.
The arrest followed intelligence on the group’s trans-border operations, leading to a coordinated sting operation by operatives of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Strategic Command in Ojo, Lagos.
During the operation, officers apprehended a 36-year-old suspect, Akputa Dickson Ejike, in possession of three jumbo bags.
A search of the bags revealed 237 wraps of cocaine weighing 5-point-8 kilograms, hidden inside the fish heads. The illicit consignment was reportedly bound for Delhi, India.
In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives intercepted two drug shipments heading to the United Kingdom at a Lagos courier company.
The consignments included 1-point-9 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in automobile filters, as well as ampoules of morphine sulphate and fentanyl.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Agency’s Special Operations Unit raided a residence in Yaba, Lagos, arresting a suspected drug kingpin, 46-year-old Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, also known as Iya Ghana, alongside an accomplice.
Recovered from the premises were 135 blocks of cannabis weighing over 76 kilograms.
Another suspect was arrested in Surulere with 78 blocks of cannabis weighing 41 kilograms.
In Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives arrested an 80-year-old man during a raid operation, recovering skunk and methamphetamine.
Additional seizures were made in Ondo, Benue, Edo, and Taraba states, where large quantities of illicit drugs were recovered and several suspects apprehended.
The Agency says its War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns also continued across schools nationwide.
Chairman of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers involved in the operations and reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to balancing drug supply reduction with preventive advocacy.