NDLEA Intercepts ₦1.1bn Worth of Codeine, Seizes Massive Skunk Hauls Across Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking, intercepting large quantities of codeine-based syrup and skunk in a series of coordinated operations across multiple states.

Major Bust at Port Harcourt Port

In a major breakthrough at the Onne Port in Rivers State, NDLEA operatives, in collaboration with Customs and other security agencies, uncovered 157,800 bottles of codeine syrup concealed in a container behind 257 cartons of ceramic sanitary wares. The shipment, intercepted on Friday, is estimated to be worth over ₦1.1 billion on the black market.
Three suspects — Friday Achibong Joseph (47), Abraham Anthony (21), and Utibe Okon (24) — were arrested in connection with the seizure.

Warehouse Raid in Cross River

In a separate operation on Thursday, NDLEA officers stormed a warehouse in Obereakai, Odukpani LGA of Cross River State, recovering 2,687kg of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis.

Highway Interception in Bauchi

Also on Thursday, two suspects — Iriemi Imonikhe (49) and Sa’idu Ladan (30) — were arrested along the Bauchi–Jos highway. NDLEA agents found 195 blocks of skunk, weighing 287kg, hidden in a Toyota Camry with registration number AKL 201 GG.

Maritime and Airport Seizures

In Lagos, operatives intercepted 14 jumbo sacks of skunk weighing 560kg from a wooden boat at Oniru Beach. Meanwhile, at the Maiduguri Airport, two businessmen — Ishaku Abdullahi (30) and Buba Usman (32) — were arrested with ecstasy pills and skunk, cleverly disguised in packages labeled ‘Lychee’ and ‘Porro Legal’.

WADA Campaign Continues in Schools

As part of its ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, the NDLEA continued its nationwide awareness campaign in schools. Recent sensitisation sessions were held at:

• Command Secondary School, Orba, Enugu State

• Divine Gift International School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

• Baptist Primary School, Ago-Are, Oyo State

• St Vincent Secondary School, Oti-Oron Okobo, Akwa Ibom State

The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling drug networks and protecting communities through enforcement and education.