NDLEA Makes Record Seizure: The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized three trailers carrying opioids in Abule Ado, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State. This information was disclosed in a statement by Mr. Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, and made available to the press in Abuja.
Babafemi also reported the arrest of three suspects linked to the seizure, which included 3,450,000 pills and 344,000 bottles of codeine syrup.
The multi-billion naira consignments were loaded into two 40-ft container trucks and another 20-ft truck at the AML bonded terminal, Abule-Osun, near the International Trade Fair complex, according to the NDLEA director of media and advocacy. He further stated that the trucks proceeded to a warehouse at Abule-Ado, where NDLEA officers arrested the suspects and seized the opioid consignments on May 9.
“Among those apprehended are Cosmas Obiajulu, 51, the warehouse agent, as well as Ridwan Balogun, 25, and Banjo Tayo, 30, drivers of two trucks. The third driver managed to escape arrest,” stated Babafemi.
Additionally, on Tuesday, May 7, NDLEA operatives arrested Nwankwo Ejike in the Coker area of Lagos, seizing 100 liters of codeine syrup from him. That same day, Clinton Akinye was found in possession of 60 liters of codeine syrup in the same area.
Moreover, Adegbola Segun, 47, was intercepted at Mile 12 area of Lagos on Monday, May 6, with 37.5kg of marijuana concealed in a Toyota Camry car.
Babafemi reported the interception of another opioid consignment, containing 59,106 tramadol pills and varying amounts of codeine syrup and rohypnol. The drugs were seized on Monday, May 6, by NDLEA officers on the Mubi-Yola road, Adamawa State, en route to Garua, Cameroon.
“Two suspects connected to the narcotics, Abubakar Auwal, 39, and Adamu Abubakar, 25, alias Bamanga, a cross-border trafficker, were swiftly apprehended,” stated Babafemi.
Meanwhile, in Edo, NDLEA operatives raided Iguiye forest in Ovia North East LGA on Saturday, May 11, where 11,636.185kg of marijuana across three farms, spanning 4.654474 hectares, was destroyed. An additional 188kg of the substance was seized, and suspect Itah Nyong was arrested during the operation.
In another incident, Jibril Audu, 75, was apprehended on Friday, May 10, allegedly in possession of 7.5 kilograms of marijuana in Oke-asa village, Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State, during a sting operation.
Likewise, another individual, Tikwase Nytor, 70, was apprehended with 15.6kg of marijuana on Thursday, May 9.
Babafemi stated that Nytor was arrested during a raid operation at Achusa and International Market road, Makurdi, Benue State.
Opioid Pills
Opioids encompass various drugs, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl, legally prescribed pain relievers such as oxycodone (OxyContin®) and hydrocodone (Vicodin®), as well as codeine and morphine. This class also includes illicit substances like heroin.
Codeine
Codeine serves as an opioid pain reliever prescribed for managing mild to moderately severe pain. Additionally, it’s utilized, often alongside other medications, to alleviate coughing. Codeine is accessible either as a standalone product or in conjunction with acetaminophen or aspirin. It’s also found in certain cough and cold remedies.
Codeine is a medication that falls under two main categories:
- Pain reliever: It’s a weak opioid used to treat mild to moderate pain. It works by changing how your body perceives pain signals.
- Cough suppressant: Codeine is sometimes found in cough syrups and other cough medications. It helps reduce the urge to cough.
Here’s a breakdown of some key points about codeine:
- Prescription: In most cases, codeine requires a prescription from a doctor.
- Effectiveness: For pain relief, codeine isn’t as strong as other opioids like morphine. It can be a good option for milder pain when other medications aren’t effective. For coughs, its effectiveness can vary depending on the cause of the cough.
- Risks: Like other opioids, codeine can be habit-forming with prolonged use. It can also cause side effects like constipation, drowsiness, and nausea. In some people, codeine is converted very efficiently into morphine by the body, which can lead to serious side effects like slowed breathing.
Important Note: This information is for general knowledge only and shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. If you have questions about using codeine, talk to your doctor.
Major Functions of NDLEA
NDLEA oversees drug policy and control in Nigeria, with a mandate to combat illicit production, importation, exportation, sale, and trafficking of psychoactive substances. NDLEA personnel are responsible for intercepting and destroying narcotic drugs and other illicit substances as part of their efforts to enforce drug regulations and protect public health and safety.
The primary functions of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) include:
- Drug Control and Enforcement: NDLEA is tasked with enforcing drug laws and regulations in Nigeria, including the prevention, interception, and eradication of illicit drug trafficking and abuse.
- Investigation and Prosecution: The agency conducts investigations into drug-related crimes, gathers evidence, and collaborates with law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders involved in drug trafficking and abuse.
- Demand Reduction Programs: NDLEA implements strategies and programs aimed at reducing the demand for illicit drugs through awareness campaigns, education, and rehabilitation initiatives.
- International Cooperation: NDLEA collaborates with international agencies and organizations to combat transnational drug trafficking networks and enhance information sharing and capacity building in drug control efforts.
- Policy Formulation and Advocacy: The agency contributes to the development of drug control policies and legislation in Nigeria, advocating for measures to address drug abuse and trafficking effectively.
Explore Naijaecho.com.ng For More News Updates