Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have made significant seizures and arrests in the fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria. The single sharpest fact in this story is that 250 grammes of cocaine were concealed in the base of a locally made mortar packed inside a carton destined for China, while another 500 grammes of cocaine were hidden in the false bottom of a backpack intended for shipment to Italy.

NDLEA officials said the seizures were made by officers of its Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) on Thursday, July 30, 2026. According to the agency, the cocaine was concealed in a mortar packed inside a carton destined for China and a backpack intended for shipment to Italy. The agency also disclosed that 38-year-old Ugo Gift Okonkwo was arrested in Rivers State for allegedly dealing in substances like cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, Swinol, tramadol, and codeine syrup.

In Anambra State, NDLEA officers intercepted a truck loaded with 26,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 3,960 kilogrammes. The truck driver, Chinedu Nwanze, 40, was arrested in connection with the seizure. NDLEA officials also arrested a 64-year-old suspect, Joseph Nwaeke, at Asso Angwan Muazu in Karu, Nasarawa State, who was found with 68 kilogrammes of skunk and 29 grammes of methamphetamine.

NDLEA officers arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Sani Umar, in Zamfara State for allegedly conveying 7,400 tablets of 225mg tramadol. The agency said the consignment was suspected to be intended for criminal elements. NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations as well as the Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Nasarawa, and Zamfara commands for the successful operations.

He urged them to sustain the agency's balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction across the country. The NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign during the week with awareness programs in schools, places of worship, workplaces, and communities.

NDLEA commands and formations nationwide sustained their sensitisation campaign with awareness programs in schools, places of worship, workplaces, and communities. The campaign included lectures for students and staff of Hausawa Special Primary School, Kano; Royal Crown School, Oluyole, Ibadan; Government Secondary School, Ibi, Taraba State; and commercial drivers at Challenge Bus Terminal in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Key Facts:

  • 250 grammes of cocaine were concealed in the base of a locally made mortar packed inside a carton destined for China.
  • 500 grammes of cocaine were hidden in the false bottom of a backpack intended for shipment to Italy.
  • 38-year-old Ugo Gift Okonkwo was arrested in Rivers State for allegedly dealing in substances like cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, Swinol, tramadol, and codeine syrup.
  • 26,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 3,960 kilogrammes were intercepted in Anambra State.
  • 68 kilogrammes of skunk and 29 grammes of methamphetamine were found with 64-year-old suspect, Joseph Nwaeke, in Nasarawa State.