Amidst the festive season’s joyous celebrations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) played a crucial role in safeguarding Nigerian communities from the insidious influx of illicit drugs, particularly in anticipation of Christmas festivities.
The agency’s intervention proved highly successful as they managed to intercept shipments containing an alarming 7.5 million tramadol and codeine pills. This significant seizure included millions of tramadol 225mg pills, thousands of codeine syrup bottles, and bags of Canadian Loud. Notably, these substances arrived via Turkish Airlines, lacking a clear country of manufacture or origin.
The initial report, disclosed by Femi Babafemi, the Media and Advocacy representative of NDLEA, emanated from Abuja, as conveyed in a statement on a Sunday by the News Agency of Nigeria (now referred to as Infostride News).

The interception operation unfolded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with the shipments traversing the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) import shed. The collaborative efforts of NDLEA officers, the Nigeria Customs, and other stakeholders successfully thwarted the trafficking attempt on Friday, December 22.
Femi Babafemi shed light on the unprecedented nature of the interception, stating, “Apart from being the first time such a shipment would be seized on the airline’s flight, it was equally the first of such coming from Hamburg, Germany.” The intercepted 7.5 million tramadol 225mg pills were ingeniously concealed in 100 large cartons, collectively weighing 7,150kg, and arrived in the country on December 11. These cartons, branded as “tamol-x,” underwent scrutiny, revealing their ominous contents through preliminary tests that confirmed the presence of tramadol hydrochloride.
In tandem with this major operation, NDLEA operatives, hailing from the Lagos command, executed a search operation on two shops identified as Chex Mat Global Link Limited at the Trade Fair complex in Ojo, Lagos, on Wednesday, December 20. This operation yielded the recovery of 258 cartons containing codeine-based cough syrup and eight cartons of codeine tablets. The cumulative haul comprised 49,200 bottles of codeine syrup and 46,200 tablets of the same opioid.
Undeterred, NDLEA operatives extended their efforts with a raid on a residence in Mushin, Lagos, on Thursday, December 21. During this operation, a 70-year-old grandmother, Selifat Cole, and her son, Babajide Cole, were apprehended in possession of a substantial 117.9kg of cannabis sativa.
These combined efforts reflect NDLEA’s commitment to curbing the proliferation of illicit drugs within Nigeria, safeguarding communities, and ensuring a safer and healthier environment. The holiday season, often accompanied by increased trafficking attempts, serves as a critical juncture for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in preserving the well-being of the populace.
The significance of these interventions extends beyond the immediate disruption of drug trafficking operations. It underscores the importance of international cooperation and intelligence-sharing, considering the origin of the intercepted shipment from Hamburg, Germany. NDLEA’s success in uncovering this unprecedented route highlights the evolving challenges posed by global drug trafficking networks and the necessity for adaptive and collaborative law enforcement strategies.
As the holiday season progresses, NDLEA’s actions serve as a reminder of the ongoing battle against the illicit drug trade and the dedication required to safeguard societies from the detrimental effects of drug abuse. The agency’s vigilance and strategic interventions contribute significantly to Nigeria’s broader efforts to combat drug-related crimes, protect public health, and foster a secure and resilient nation.
In reporting on these critical events, Infostride News continues to play a pivotal role in disseminating timely and accurate information that raises awareness about issues affecting the nation. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the media remains crucial in shaping public understanding, promoting transparency, and garnering support for initiatives aimed at maintaining the well-being of the community.
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