PICTORIAL: Lagos, Italy-based businessmen arrested over illicit drug shipments to Nigeria, Europe

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested Arokodare Ebenezer, a Lekki-based businessman and proprietor of Damillionz Takeout, for his involvement in the shipment of 60 parcels of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, from the United States to Nigeria.

The 43-year-old businessman was arrested on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way in the Lekki area of Lagos, while awaiting the delivery of his latest drug consignment.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, shared pictures of the seized contraband on X.com on Sunday.

“The bust followed a seizure on March 12, 2025, when NDLEA operatives intercepted seven large cartons containing the illicit drug at a logistics company in Lagos.

“The total weight of the cannabis seized from the suspect amounted to 32.24 kilograms after a subsequent search at his Lekki residence, where 94 grams of cannabis, a cannabis crusher, and other drug paraphernalia were found. Ebenezer revealed that he had been involved in the illicit drug trade since 2017,” the statement read.

It added, “Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a Lekki-based businessman and proprietor of Damillionz Takeout, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer in connection with the shipment of 60 parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, from the United States of America to Nigeria.

“The 43-year-old businessman was arrested at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki area of Lagos where he does his illicit drug business on Monday 24th March 2025 while he was expecting to take the delivery of his latest drug consignment. His arrest followed the seizure of his cargo that arrived Nigeria in seven big cartons at a logistics company in Lagos on 12th March by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation.

“After his arrest, he was taken to his Lekki home for a search during which 94grams of the same psychoactive substance, cannabis crusher and other drug paraphernalia were recovered. This brings the total weight of the drug seized from him to 32.24 kilograms. In his statement, he claimed he started the illicit drug business in 2017.”

In a related operation, NDLEA officers foiled an attempt by an Italy-based businessman, Omoruyi Terry, to export 1,400 pills of tramadol (225mg) weighing 800 grams to Italy.

The statement added, “Attempt by another businessman Omoruyi Terry to export 1,400 pills of tramadol 225mg weighing 800 grams to Italy has also been thwarted by NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos.

“Omoruyi was intercepted at the screening point of terminal 2 of the Lagos airport on his way to Italy via a Qatar Airways flight. Investigation reveals the suspect is an Italy based frequent traveler and logistics agent.”

Meanwhile, in Katsina State, NDLEA operatives arrested four suspects, Baraka Abubakar, 40; Haruna Alitine, 23; Muhammad Babangida, 20; and Hamisu Lawal on March 28, 2025, following an intelligence-led raid at Godai village in Daura Local Government Area.

The operation led to the recovery of 684 blocks of compressed skunk (423kg) and 86,000 pills of diazepam.

The statement added, “In Katsina, four suspects: Baraka Abubakar, 40; Haruna Alitine, 23; Muhammad Babangida, 20; and Hamisu Lawal, were arrested on Friday 28th March during an intelligence led raid operation at Godai village in Daura LGA where 684 blocks of compressed skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 423kg and 86,000 pills of diazepam were recovered from them.

“The three male suspects were arrested while repackaging the diazepam tablets into other containers while Baraka, the female suspect was apprehended with the heaps of skunk in her house.”

NDLEA operatives also destroyed 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa in Edo State. Additionally, 158 kilograms of cannabis were seized for potential prosecution.

The statement revealed, “Not less than 13,198 kilograms of cannabis sativa were destroyed in Edo forests across parts of the state between Monday 24th and Friday 28th March by NDLEA operatives who also evacuated 158kg of same substance for possible prosecution.

“The forests where no fewer than four cannabis plantations were discovered and destroyed include: Uhen forest, Ovia North East LGA; Sobe, Owan West LGA; and Amahor forest in Igueben LGA.”

Other notable operations occurred in Niger, Enugu, Kwara, and Oyo states, where substantial amounts of skunk were seized.

On March 28, NDLEA officers intercepted a black Toyota Corolla in Niger state, seizing 77.6 kilograms of compressed cannabis hidden in the vehicle’s false bottom.

Another 50 kilograms of skunk were recovered from the home of a suspect, Isa Iliya, in Wawa village, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The statement added, “In Niger State, NDLEA officers on patrol along Mokwa-Jebba road on Friday 28th March intercepted a black Toyota Corolla car marked SLM 137 SV and arrested the two occupants in possession of 179 blocks of compressed skunk with a total weight of 77.6kg concealed in false bottom of the vehicle.

“The two suspects are: Paul Christopher, 46, and Lucky Star Anumie. In another operation, 50kg skunk was on Saturday 29th March recovered from the home of a suspect, Isa Iliya, who is currently at large, in Wawa village, Borgu council area of the state.

“While 108.5kg of skunk was recovered from lockup shops at Aria New Market, in Enugu metropolis, Enugu state by NDLEA operatives on Tuesday 25th March, 25kg of same substance was seized from a suspect Abdulrazak Saka at Kilako Area of Ilorin, Kwara State on Monday 24th March.

“Another suspect Suli Saheed, 50, was nabbed with 2.5 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud and 515 grams of Colorado, at Olomi Academy area of Ibadan, Oyo state.:

As part of its ongoing War Against Drug Abuse initiative, NDLEA continued its sensitisation efforts, delivering lectures at schools, workplaces, and communities nationwide.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), praised the agency’s personnel for their successful operations and urged continued vigilance in the fight against drug abuse.