NDLEA Arrests Chief Priest, Seizes N1.1bn Codeine

By Femi Ogundele

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a traditional Chief priest and confiscated 338,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup with a street value exceeding N1.1 billion.

NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.

According to Babafemi, the drugs were intercepted in two containers flagged by the agency after thorough intelligence processing.

The discovery was made during a joint examination conducted by NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other security agencies.

In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives apprehended Bariu Aliyu, also known as Malo, the traditional chief priest of the Igunuko shrine in Alpha Beach, Ajah, Lekki.

Babafemi revealed that Aliyu was arrested on October 25 after a three-month manhunt. During the operation, authorities recovered 2,760 kilograms of skunk.

“Although two of his accomplices were arrested and convicted last year, Bariu is believed to be the leader of the syndicate,” Babafemi added.

Similarly, Babafemi mentioned that operatives of the anti-narcotics agency also arrested and detained Bariu Aliyu (alias Malo), the traditional chief priest of Igunuko Shrine, Alpha Beach, Ajah, Lekki.

The operation yielded 45 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.2 kilograms and 40,800 opioid pills, including tramadol.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), in his remarks praised the efforts of the agency’s Lagos and Kano Commands for their operational successes.

Marwa acknowledged their commitment to a balanced approach in reducing both drug supply and demand across the country.

The NDLEA remains steadfast in its mission to curb drug trafficking and abuse nationwide.

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