Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Lekki-based businessman and proprietor of Damillionz Takeout, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, in connection with the shipment of 60 parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, from the United States of America to Nigeria.
The Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi revealed this in a statement on the NDLEA official Facebook page on Sunday.
Babafemi stated that the 43-year-old businessman, who claimed to have started his illicit drug business in 2017 was arrested in Lagos while he was expecting to take the delivery of his latest drug consignment at his illicit business location.
He further revealed that he was arrested by the NDLEA after his cargo was seized on arrival, with investigation further revealing drug substances at his residence.
He said, “The 43-year-old businessman was arrested at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki area of Lagos where he does his illicit drug business on Monday 24th March 2025 while he was expecting to take the delivery of his latest drug consignment.”
“His arrest followed the seizure of his cargo that arrived Nigeria in seven big cartons at a logistics company in Lagos on 12th March by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation.”
After his arrest, he was taken to his Lekki home for a search during which 94grams of the same psychoactive substance, cannabis crusher and other drug paraphernalia were recovered. This brings the total weight of the drug seized from him to 32.24 kilograms.
In his statement, he claimed he started the illicit drug business in 2017”
In a separate operation, Babafemi revealed attempt by another businessman, Omoruyi Terry, to export 1400 pills of tramadol to Italy but was intercepted by the NDLEA officers at an Ikeja Airport.
Investigations reveals the suspect to be an Italy based frequent traveler and logistic agent.
“Attempt by another businessman Omoruyi Terry to export 1,400 pills of tramadol 225mg weighing 800 grams to Italy has also been thwarted by NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos.
“Omoruyi was intercepted at the screening point of terminal 2 of the Lagos airport on his way to Italy via a Qatar Airways flight. Investigation reveals the suspect is an Italy based frequent traveler and logistics agent,” the statement revealed.
Furthermore, four illicit drug suspects were said to be arrested in Katsina during an intelligence led raid operation at Godai village in Daura local government area of the state. Babafemi recorded that drug substances such as cannabis and pills of diazepam were recovered from their hand.
He stated, “In Katsina, four suspects: Baraka Abubakar, 40; Haruna Alitine, 23; Muhammad Babangida, 20; and Hamisu Lawal, were arrested on Friday 28th March during an intelligence led raid operation at Godai village in Daura LGA where 684 blocks of compressed skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 423kg and 86,000 pills of diazepam were recovered from them. The three male suspects were arrested while repackaging the diazepam tablets into other containers while Baraka, the female suspect was apprehended with the heaps of skunk in her house.”
Meanwhile, another successful operation of the agency led to the destruction of not less than 13,198 kilograms of cannabis plant, found in a cannabis plantations in an Edo State forest.
“Not less than 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa were destroyed in Edo forests across parts of the state between Monday 24th and Friday 28th March by NDLEA operatives who also evacuated 158kg of same substance for possible prosecution. The forests where no fewer than four cannabis plantations were discovered and destroyed include: Uhen forest, Ovia North East LGA; Sobe, Owan West LGA; and Amahor forest in Igueben LGA,” The NDLEA boss revealed.
In another development, NDLEA officers on patrol in Niger State were said to have intercepted a Car who had on board two suspect in possession of 179 blocks of compressed skunk hidden inside the vehicle.
Babafemi also recorded another recovery of same substance in the home of one Isa lliya, still in Niger State. Further similar operation was established in some other states including Enugu, Kwara, and Oyo state.
“In Niger state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Mokwa-Jebba road on Friday 28th March intercepted a black Toyota Corolla car marked SLM 137 SV and arrested the two occupants in possession of 179 blocks of compressed skunk with a total weight of 77.6kg concealed in false bottom of the vehicle.
“The two suspects are: Paul Christopher, 46, and Lucky Star Anumie. In another operation, 50kg skunk was on Saturday 29th March recovered from the home of a suspect, Isa Iliya, who is currently at large, in Wawa village, Borgu council area of the state.
“While 108.5kg of skunk was recovered from lockup shops at Aria New Market, in Enugu metropolis, Enugu state by NDLEA operatives on Tuesday 25th March, 25kg of same substance was seized from a suspect Abdulrazak Saka at Kilako Area of Ilorin, Kwara State on Monday 24th March.
“Another suspect Suli Saheed, 50, was nabbed with 2.5 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud and 515 grams of Colorado, at Olomi Academy area of Ibadan, Oyo state”. Babafemi revealed in the statement.
Meanwhile, the commands and formations of the Agency across the country are moving with the same force in their fight against Drug Abuse, sensitizing schools worship centers, workplaces and communities among others.
The statement revealed that some schools in Ebonyi, Lagos, Adamawa state among others have benefited from the sensitization programmes.
“With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Blessed Martins International School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state; Model Ideal College, Enugu; Oto-Awori Senior Secondary School, Ijanikin, Lagos state; and Command Secondary School, Numan, Adamawa state, among others,” The statement revealed.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the efforts of the officers appreciating their successful operations in reducing drug supply and demand reduction. He extended eid-el-fitr greetings to them, their families,nother stakeholders and Nigerians at large.
The NDLEA boss revealed, “While commending the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, Edo, Kwara, Niger, Enugu, Oyo and Katsina Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated. He extended eid-el-fitr greetings to them, their families, other stakeholders and Nigerians at large.
“May the spirit of obedience and sacrifice that defines this special day guide and strengthen us as we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a drug-free society. May Allah continue to bless and guide us and may our collective efforts bring us closer to a safer and healthier society for all”, the NDLEA boss added.
