The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria, recording a major breakthrough in 2024 with the seizure of illicit substances worth an estimated N815.8 million in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The massive drug bust, spanning January to December 2024, underscores the agency’s relentless commitment to curbing drug-related crimes and safeguarding public health.
The FCT Commander of the NDLEA, Kabir Tsakuwa, disclosed in an interview in Abuja that a staggering 10,356.027 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs were confiscated within the year. The breakdown of the seized substances includes 10,220.514kg of cannabis, 0.393kg of cocaine, 19.186kg of diazepam, and 3.603kg of methamphetamine, among other controlled substances. Additionally, authorities intercepted 5.730kg of Rohypnol, 104.285kg of tramadol, 2.18kg of pentazocine, 0.136kg of ecstasy, and 293.1 litres of codeine syrup, reinforcing the agency’s resolve to dismantle illicit drug networks operating across the country.
The NDLEA’s intelligence-driven operations in 2024 led to multiple high-profile seizures, many of which involved large-scale drug trafficking attempts. One of the most significant busts occurred in February 2024, when operatives intercepted 676.5kg of cannabis sativa hidden in a truck transporting the illegal consignment from Akure, Ondo State, to Abuja. That same month, authorities recorded additional seizures of 1,961.5kg and 89.0kg of cannabis sativa, both originating from Edo and Ondo States.
In May 2024, NDLEA operatives made another landmark discovery when they seized 4,752.0kg of cannabis sativa concealed inside an LPG gas tank/trailer along the Abaji-Abuja highway. Arrests were made in connection with the illicit shipment, which was traced back to Ondo State, a known hub for cannabis cultivation in Nigeria.
By June 2024, NDLEA operatives struck again, intercepting 454 blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing 340.8kg, ingeniously hidden inside a white Nissan Hilux vehicle in the Kuje area of Abuja. The drugs, which originated from Edo State, were destined for distribution within the FCT and beyond.
In July 2024, the agency intercepted 1,132 bottles (113.2 litres) of codeine syrup, along with 18.0kg of assorted drugs, including tramadol, Rohypnol, and diazepam, which were smuggled from Onitsha, Anambra State. These pharmaceutical opioids, often misused by young Nigerians, are a major concern for law enforcement due to their addictive nature and potential to fuel violent crime.
Another significant bust occurred in November 2024, when NDLEA officers seized 755.50kg of cannabis sativa from a truck that originated from Ogbese, Ondo State. This operation further cemented the agency’s resolve to disrupt the distribution chain of illicit drugs within the country.
The NDLEA commander revealed that beyond the massive seizures, numerous suspects had been arrested and were currently facing prosecution. The agency also secured the final forfeiture of monetary exhibits recovered alongside the drug hauls, totaling N6,643,530. An additional N1,069,250, seized in concluded drug cases, was ordered by the court to be remitted into the E-Collection account for onward transfer to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
These figures highlight the scale of Nigeria’s drug problem and the urgent need for stronger anti-drug policies. With illicit drug trade fueling crime, youth addiction, and economic instability, the NDLEA’s efforts to clamp down on traffickers have become even more critical. The agency continues to deploy advanced intelligence-gathering techniques, strengthen inter-agency collaborations, and increase public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
As Nigeria battles the rising threat of drug trafficking, the NDLEA remains unwavering in its mission to dismantle syndicates and protect the nation’s future. However, the war against drugs cannot be fought by law enforcement alone. Citizens are urged to play an active role by reporting suspicious activities and supporting initiatives aimed at rehabilitation and awareness.
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