NDLEA intercepts cocaine hidden in stock fish bound for India

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted a consignment of cocaine concealed in heads of imported dry stock fish, popularly known as okporoko, in a major anti-narcotics operation.

The agency said the illicit shipment, weighing 5.80 kilograms, was uncovered during a sting operation carried out by operatives of its Murtala Muhammed International Airport command in Ojo area of Lagos. The drugs, packaged in 237 wraps, were allegedly being prepared for export to Delhi, India.

According to NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the operation led to the arrest of a suspected kingpin, Akputa Dickson Ejike, 36, who was found with three jumbo bags containing the concealed narcotics.

The agency said the bust followed credible intelligence on a transnational drug syndicate involved in trafficking illicit substances to multiple destinations, particularly India.

In a related operation, NDLEA operatives intercepted two separate consignments headed for the United Kingdom at a Lagos courier facility. The shipments included 1.9kg of methamphetamine hidden in automobile filters and ampoules of morphine sulphate and fentanyl.

Further crackdowns across the country led to multiple arrests and seizures. In Lagos, a suspected drug baron, Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, popularly known as “Iya Ghana,” was apprehended alongside an accomplice, with 76.30kg of cannabis recovered. Another suspect was arrested in Surulere with 41kg of the substance.

Operations extended to Ekiti, Ondo, Benue, Edo, and Taraba states, where NDLEA seized large quantities of skunk and other psychoactive substances, including nearly 900kg recovered from a raid in Ondo.

The agency reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and curbing the flow of illicit substances within and outside Nigeria.