The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two suspects for attempting to smuggle opioids and cocaine to the United Kingdom (UK) and Congo Brazzaville. The arrests were made after NDLEA operatives foiled the shipment at Lagos International Airport.
Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, identified the suspects as Adewunmi Dorcas, a businesswoman based in Oyo, and Arinze Ora, an auto parts dealer. According to Babafemi, operatives intercepted the UK-bound shipment on September 6, revealing 924 bottles of codeine-based syrup (weighing 135.7 kg) and 5,250 rohypnol tablets hidden inside food containers.
In connection with this bust, freight agent Owojori Sunday was arrested. Further investigation led to the arrest of Adewunmi Temitope, another suspect involved in the operation. On September 7, Adewunmi Dorcas was arrested in Ibadan, where she runs a foodstuffs and cargo export business. Owojori admitted to being paid N2.4 million for the smuggling job. He also revealed that he had previously worked on a similar consignment for Dorcas.
In another operation on September 11, NDLEA operatives intercepted a shipment of auto spare parts and checkers powder custard bound for Congo Brazzaville. During the search, 300 grams of cocaine were found hidden within the checkers powder custard. This led to the arrest of Arinze Ora, the sender of the consignment, who operates a business dealing in auto parts in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.
These arrests are part of the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and prevent illegal drug shipments from leaving the country. Further investigations are ongoing.