Rita Odafe
Ejiofor Chiwuzie, a dealer in automobile spare parts, has been apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for attempting to smuggle heroin and cannabis out of Lagos.
This information was shared by Mr. Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, during a statement made in Abuja on Sunday.
The drugs were discovered at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, hidden inside LED rechargeable lamps and sofa metal legs meant for export.
Ejiofor was taken into custody on September 24 at the Trade Fair complex, Ojo, where he sells auto parts. His arrest followed the discovery of a shipment that included spare parts along with the concealed drugs headed for Liberia.
Inside the lamps and sofa legs, authorities found 37 parcels of heroin weighing 1.10 kilograms and four blocks of cannabis totaling 1.20 kilograms.
Subsequent investigations led to the detention of two freight agents and ultimately Ejiofor, who arranged the shipment.
Additionally, the NDLEA disrupted efforts by drug trafficking groups attempting to send large quantities of various drugs, including cannabis, tramadol, and other substances, through courier services.
Mr. Babafemi reported that these shipments were destined for countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Thailand, and Oman.
The drugs were intercepted by NDLEA officials from the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation (DOGI) as they were processed by logistics companies.
Among the seizures, 2.3kg of cannabis hidden in a box was found to be heading to Thailand, while 749 grams of tramadol concealed in the soles of shoes were destined for Oman. Additionally, 60 ampoules of pentazocine were on their way to the United States.
He further noted that 200 co-codamol pills were intended for shipment to Australia, along with 700 tablets of dihydrocodeine and other substances directed towards the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, 58 ampoules of pentazocine hidden in women’s clothing were set to be sent to Canada. All these interceptions occurred between September 23 and September 24 in Lagos.
