The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a significant arrest, apprehending an 80-year-old ex-convict, Jeremiah Isaiah Nkanta, for alleged involvement in illicit drug trafficking. This operation also led to the discovery of drugs concealed within mannequins, highlighting innovative methods employed by traffickers. Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, confirmed the arrest on Sunday, stating that Nkanta had allegedly returned to his criminal activities after completing a previous jail term. This marks a concerning resurgence for the octogenarian, who was previously sentenced to two years imprisonment by the federal high court in Akwa Ibom state following his arrest in November 2022 for drug-related offenses.
Operatives meticulously tracked Nkanta, leading to his apprehension on January 10 in Abak village, Abak local government area of Akwa Ibom. During the operation, a substantial quantity of skunk, a particular strain of cannabis weighing 5.7 kilogrammes, was allegedly recovered from his residence. The statement detailed that Nkanta had been previously arrested by the NDLEA on December 14, 2022, subsequently prosecuted, and sentenced to two years in jail by a Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, for dealing in illicit substances. His re-arrest underscores the persistent challenge of recidivism in drug-related crimes.
What is the NDLEA? The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is a Nigerian federal agency responsible for combating illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse. It plays a crucial role in law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and public awareness campaigns related to drug control.
In a parallel operation that demonstrates the diverse tactics of drug smugglers, NDLEA operatives successfully arrested Ani Onyebuchi Romans, a 37-year-old businessman. Romans was apprehended for allegedly transporting a consignment of tramadol pills, weighing 5.3 kilogrammes, which were ingeniously concealed within mannequins. This interception occurred along the Oron–Ibaka road in Oron local government area of Akwa Ibom, as the suspect was reportedly en route to Cameroon. The suspect indicated that he resides in Cameroon and was returning to his base after the Christmas and New Year holidays when he was apprehended by the vigilant NDLEA.
Further investigations revealed that Romans had procured the illicit drugs in Onitsha, Anambra state, with the intention of trafficking them to Cameroon for sale. The use of two mannequins to hide the large quantity of opioids showcases a new level of deceptive packaging in the drug trade. This discovery adds another layer to the ongoing efforts to disrupt drug supply chains and prevent the flow of illegal substances across borders.
How to report suspicious drug activity? If you suspect any illicit drug activity, you can report it to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) through their official channels, including their website, hotlines, or by visiting a local NDLEA office. Providing detailed information can aid in their investigations and arrests.
The NDLEA’s persistent efforts extend to other regions as well. In Ibadan, Oyo state, Remi Bamidele, a 45-year-old man, was arrested at Sasa for allegedly possessing multiple cannabis variants. This operation highlights the agency’s widespread reach and commitment to tackling drug offenses across different states.
In the Adegbayi area of Ibadan, NDLEA officers apprehended Adeola Toheeb, 27, with various quantities of Colorado, Ghana Loud, and skunk. Simultaneously, Habeeb Ali, 29, was nabbed at Ring road, Ibadan, with a significant amount of Colorado, Scottish Loud, and skunk, totaling 1.264kg. The recovery of cash, amounting to one million three hundred and seven thousand one hundred naira (₦1,307,100), from Ali at the point of his arrest on Saturday, January 10, suggests a direct link to drug sales.
Furthermore, a dispatch rider, Osagbovo Edigin, 30, along with two other suspects, Ebimi Labo, 28, and Akhimie Success, 25, were apprehended on Friday, January 9, at Ihama/Airport road GRA, Benin City, Edo state. Their arrest is connected to the seizure of 118 grams of Canadian Loud and a wrap of Colorado, indicating a coordinated drug trafficking network.
These multiple arrests and seizures demonstrate the NDLEA’s unwavering dedication to eradicating illicit drugs from Nigerian society. The agency continues to adapt its strategies to counter evolving trafficking methods, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. The recovery of drugs from such unusual concealments as mannequins serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which individuals will go to profit from illegal activities.
Why is drug trafficking a major concern? Drug trafficking fuels crime, corruption, and addiction, destabilizing communities and economies. It also poses significant public health risks and can undermine national security. Combating it requires a multi-faceted approach involving law enforcement, international cooperation, and demand reduction strategies.
The ongoing efforts by the NDLEA are crucial in dismantling these networks and protecting the populace from the devastating effects of illicit substances. The agency’s success in these operations is a testament to their diligence and effective intelligence gathering capabilities.
