Abuja, Feb. 25, 2024 -The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested members of a criminal network behind the recent importation of two containers laden with illicit drugs, arms and ammunition to Tincan seaport in Lagos from Durban, South Africa.
Those arrested are Falowo Samuel Kayode and Anjorin Idowu as well as Uzairu Ahmed Iguda clearing and a dock worker in charge of the Five Star terminal at the port.
Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Spokesman, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.
He said another dock worker at the terminal, Mohammed Muktar Sule, alias Organizer, who is equally linked to the syndicate is currently at large.
Babafemi said based on credible intelligence, the Agency had requested for a 100 percent joint examination of two containers marked MSCU 4581770 and TRHU 7968071 from South Africa.
He said as a result, the exercise was conducted with other stakeholders on Jan. 18 and 19, 2024 during which 56.39kg cocaine and 795kg Colorado, a synthetic strong strain of cannabis among other illegal items were recovered from the containers.
The spokesman said the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig- Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd), gave an order to a combined team of specialized units of the agency to unravel those behind the importation of the large consignments of the illicit drugs.
According to the statement, ongoing investigations led to the discovery of more bags of Colorado weighing 192.7kg, a pistol, and rounds of ammunition removed from the container, MSCU 4581770 and hidden in an empty container before the 100 percent joint examination at the Five Star terminal.
“As a result, two suspects: Uzairu Ahmed Iguda who is in charge of the terminal’s container positioning and stacking, and Anjorin Idowu who is a dock worker in the terminal have been arrested. Another suspect, Mohammed Muktar Sule (alias organizer) now at large, is also a dock worker in the terminal.
“Investigations reveal that the three suspects conspired with the agent and notify party, Falowo Samuel Kayode to remove the 192.7kg Colorado, pistol and rounds of ammunition from the container to an empty container in the terminal.
“The latest seizure brings the total recovered from the two containers to 56.39kg of cocaine and 987.9kg of Colorado with a combined weight of 1,044.29kg. Investigations have also revealed three kingpins believed to be based in South Africa and connected with the importation of the containers.
“They include: Odeyemi Taiwo Emmanuel; Akinyemi Olayinka and Adebayo Adewole Emmanuel who are now on the Agency’s wanted list.
“In Edo state, NDLEA officers on Tuesday 20th February raided a drug joint under powerline off Etete road, GRA Benin city where they arrested a sales girl, Jessica Destiny, 24, and recovered assorted illicit drugs.
“A follow up operation the following day led to the arrest of the owner of the joint, 36-year-old Ibrahim Sani, who is the Commander, Arewa Association Vigilantes in the area. (GBN)
