Crime
NDLEA seized N194 billion worth of cocaine in largest single bust- Arrests 4 drug barons, 1 other
NDLEA seized N194 billion worth of cocaine in largest single bust- Arrests 4 drug barons, 1 other
By: Michael Mike
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have busted a major warehouse in a secluded estate in Ikorodu area of Lagos where 1.8 tonnes (1,855 kilogrammes) of cocaine with street value of $278,250,000 (approximately $278.3 million) or N194, 775,000,000 (approximately N194.8 billion) were seized.
A statement on Monday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi revealed that the seized drug is perhaps the biggest singular cocaine seizure in the history of the country.
According to the statement, at least four drug barons including a Jamaican and the warehouse manager have been arrested in the well-coordinated and intelligence led operation that lasted two days across different locations in Lagos state.
Babafemi said kingpins of the cocaine cartel in custody include: Messrs Soji Jibril, 69; Emmanuel Chukwu, 65; Wasiu Akinade, 53; Sunday Oguntelure, 53, and Kelvin Smith, 42, a native of Kingston, Jamaica.
He said they are all members of an international drug syndicate that the agency has been trailing since 2018.
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He revealed that the warehouse located at 6 Olukuola crescent, Solebo estate, Ikorodu, was raided last Sunday while the barons were picked from hotels and their hideouts in different parts of Lagos between Sunday night and yesterday.
He said preliminary investigation revealed the class A drugs were warehoused in the residential estate from where the cartel was trying to sell them to buyers in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. They were stored in 10 travel bags and 13 drums.
Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending all the officers and men of the agency involved in the extensive investigation including those of the American Drug Enforcement Administration, (US-DEA), said the bust is a historical blow to the drug cartels and a strong warning that they will all go down if they fail to realise that the game has changed.
NDLEA seized N194 billion worth of cocaine in largest single bust- Arrests 4 drug barons, 1 other
Troops Intercept 11 Jerrycans of Suspected Smuggled Fuel in Adamawa
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted 11 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, suspected to be smuggled to terrorist elements in Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the seizure was made at about 12:27 p.m. on June 26 by troops of the 247 Reconnaissance Battalion during a strangulation operation along the Maiha–Maiha Gari Road.
The sources said the smugglers abandoned the products and fled on sighting the troops, escaping into nearby bushes before they could be apprehended.
A total of 11 jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit were recovered from the scene.
The recovered petroleum products have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt the supply of logistics to terrorist groups operating in the North-East by denying them access to essential commodities, including fuel.
The sources added that troops have continued to sustain intelligence-driven strangulation operations across the theatre to block terrorist supply routes and dismantle their support networks.
Troops Intercept 11 Jerrycans of Suspected Smuggled Fuel in Adamawa
Troops Neutralise 2 Terrorists, Recover Rifles, Ammunition in Kebbi Operations
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have neutralised 2 suspected terrorists and recovered arms, ammunition and motorcycles during separate offensive operations in Kebbi State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 2 established contact with terrorists at Sabarumawa on Friday during an offensive operation.
During the encounter, the troops nutrialised two terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles, 143 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, nine AK-47 magazines and one motorcycle.
Military sources said the operations formed part of the sustained offensive campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and denying criminal elements freedom of action across the North-West.
The sources added that troops have continued to maintain aggressive offensive operations across the theatre to sustain pressure on the fleeing terrorists and consolidate recent operational gains.
Troops Neutralise 2 Terrorists, Recover Rifles, Ammunition in Kebbi Operations
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis in Plateau Raid
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested four suspected illicit drug peddlers during a raid on a criminal hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 10:30 p.m. on June 25 at the Congo Russia area of Jos North as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb drug-related activities in the state.
During the raid, troops arrested four suspects identified as Isah Mohammed, 20; Nura Kabil, 19; Hamisu Rabiu, 21; and Yakubu Mohammed, 35.
The troops also recovered quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa from the suspects during the operation.
Sources said the suspects have been profiled and are currently in custody for further necessary action, while investigations are ongoing to uncover other members of the illicit drug network.
The operation forms part of sustained security efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to rid Plateau State of criminal elements and deny drug traffickers safe havens within the state.
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Drug Peddlers, Recover Cannabis in Plateau Raid
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