NDLEA seizes cannabis shipment concealed in duvet at Lagos airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a shipment of cannabis, popularly known as Loud, concealed in a duvet and destined for the United Kingdom.  

In a statement released on Sunday, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed that the consignment was uncovered on Tuesday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos.

Two suspects, Adakole Sunday and Austin Balogun, linked to the shipment, were apprehended by NDLEA operatives shortly after the discovery. Babafemi commended the officers for their vigilance and assured the public of the agency’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking.

“Six parcels of the psychoactive substance with a gross weight of 3.50 kilograms were concealed inside the duvet,” the statement partly read.

“In his statement, Austin Balogun who is the main agent who hired Adakole, claimed he was paid N700,000 to cargo the consignment to the UK but spent a fraction of the money on export handling charges and the bulk to pay for an apartment,” the statement added.

Similarly, a raid in the Ikorodu area of Lagos led to the discovery of a hideout where “skuchies” and weapons were recovered.

Another raid in the Akala area of Mushin in Lagos on January 19, reportedly led to the seizure of 47kg skunk, a strain of cannabis, and 25.46kg Nitrous Oxide popularly known as laughing gas.

“At least, two suspects-Joseph Oluwasegun Adewale and Biodun Adelakun-were arrested at Igbo Olomu, Ikorodu area of Lagos when NDLEA operatives raided their hideout in the community where seven litres of skuchies, a new psychoactive substance produced with black currant, cannabis and opioids, were recovered.

“Other exhibits seized from the duo include: three locally-made double barrel riffles; one locally-made double barrel pistol; one English made pistol; one locally-made single barrel rifle; three cartridges and one empty 9mm cartridge as well as an iron – head axe,” the statement read.

Babafemi noted that the raid NDLEA operatives nabbed a 26-year-old suspect, Adepoju Taiwo, was caught and arrested on January 23 in Ekiti State with 1.950kg of Canadian Loud, while Auwal Sani was nabbed on January 20 in the Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State when 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg weighing 36.56kg were seized from him.