The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted cocaine concealed in the heads of imported dry stock fish and arrested a key member of a transnational drug syndicate in Lagos State. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, suspect Akputa Dickson Ejike was apprehended by operatives from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Strategic Command at the Ojo area of Lagos following intelligence on cross-border criminal activities.
A significant amount of cocaine hidden in the heads of imported dry stock fish was seized during the operation, along with the arrest of a syndicate member involved in trafficking the illegal substance globally, particularly to India.
The successful operation was a result of intelligence on transnational criminal activities, leading to a well-coordinated sting operation by NDLEA operatives. During the operation, three large bags were discovered in possession of the main suspect, 36-year-old Akputa Dickson Ejike.
A search of the bags revealed 237 wraps of cocaine buried within the heads of imported dry stock fish known as “Okporoko.” The seized cocaine pellets weighed 5.80 kilograms and were intended for export to Delhi, India.
Additionally, NDLEA operatives in Lagos intercepted two illicit consignments destined for the United Kingdom at a courier company on Wednesday, 25th March. One shipment contained 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in automobile filters, while the second parcel included 40 ampoules of Morphine Sulphate and nine ampoules of Fentanyl.
In another major operation, NDLEA operatives raided the residence of a female leader of a notorious drug syndicate, 46-year-old Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, in Yaba, Lagos. The operatives arrested Jolayemi and her sales girl, Sarah Zainab Agbabiaka, seizing 135 blocks of Ghana Loud cannabis weighing 76.30kg. Jolayemi, also known as Iya Ghana, operated a drug distribution network between Nigeria and Ghana under the guise of trading local fabrics.
The NDLEA has been active across multiple states, conducting raids and intercepting drug shipments, commended by Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa for their efforts in combating drug trafficking nationwide.
