NDLEA Seizes N2.1 Billion Worth of Illicit Drugs, Arrests 63-Year-Old Chinese Grandmother

A 63-year-old Chinese grandmother, Ting Hung Kiong, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for attempting to smuggle 31 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, into Nigeria. This arrest was part of a nationwide anti-narcotics operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that led to the seizure of illicit drugs valued at over N2.1 billion. The operation's success is due to the NDLEA's efforts to combat drug trafficking networks across the country.

The NDLEA operatives intercepted Ting Hung Kiong on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Terminal 2 Arrival Hall of the Lagos airport. She had arrived from Thailand via Dubai on an Emirates Airlines flight. During interrogation, the suspect claimed she worked as a caregiver in Malaysia. She also said her daughter had sponsored her trip from Malaysia to Thailand and subsequently to Nigeria. The suspect didn't know what she was getting herself into, as she alleged she spent about two weeks in Thailand before receiving two suitcases containing the illicit consignment at a Thai airport for delivery in Nigeria.

In another operation, NDLEA operatives intercepted 1,174 pills of MDMA (Ecstasy) concealed in a bicycle luggage carrier. These pills were headed for the Netherlands. They also seized 66 pills of Tramadol 225mg hidden in a soap container bound for the United States, and 18 tablets of Tramadol 225mg concealed in a body cream container destined for the United Kingdom. The NDLEA's ability to seize these illicit drugs is a testament to its commitment to combating drug abuse in the country.

At the airport import shed, NDLEA operatives seized 29 cartons of Tapentadol 250mg. These cartons contained 1,825,710 tablets, valued at about N2.19 billion. The consignment was handed over to the NDLEA by the Nigeria Customs Service. The shipment had been closely monitored from India via an Emirates cargo flight. The NDLEA's efforts to combat drug trafficking networks across the country are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.

Babatunde Prosper Afekhide, a 29-year-old building engineer, was arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He was attempting to board a flight to Milan, Italy via Addis Ababa. A total of 10,280 pills of opioids, including Tramaking 225mg, Tramadol 200mg, and Tapentadol 250mg, were discovered concealed in foil paper and hidden inside a carton. The suspect didn't have any idea how he was going to get away with it, as the pills were found after a search of his luggage.

The NDLEA also arrested Onyeka Valentine Emeka at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. He was arrested on May 20 during inward clearance of passengers from Sierra Leone via Addis Ababa. He was later found to have excreted 185.36 grams of cocaine. The NDLEA's ability to seize large quantities of illicit drugs and arrest suspects is a testament to its commitment to combating drug abuse in the country.

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives raided Igwe community in Owan East LGA. They recovered 59 jumbo bags of skunk weighing 489 kilograms and 9 kilograms of cannabis seeds. Meanwhile, in Kano State, Isah Sani, 30, was arrested with 196,000 pills of exol-5 along the Zaria–Kano road on May 20. Operatives at Seme border in Badagry recovered 59kg of skunk from a warehouse in Mowo. The NDLEA's operations are a reminder that the fight against drug abuse is an ongoing effort that requires the cooperation and support of all Nigerians.

In Ekiti State, a warehouse raid on Saturday, May 23, in Ikole-Ekiti led to the recovery of 1,116kg of skunk. The NDLEA also arrested a 54-year-old suspect, Ogundana Adebayo Julius. The NDLEA is continuing its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign across schools, worship centres, and communities nationwide. The agency's efforts to combat drug trafficking networks across the country are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, lauded the officers involved in the operations. He urged sustained action against drug trafficking networks across the country. The NDLEA's commitment to reducing the prevalence of illicit drugs in the country is a testament to its dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.

The NDLEA seized illicit drugs valued at over N2.1 billion in a nationwide operation. A 63-year-old Chinese grandmother, Ting Hung Kiong, was arrested for attempting to smuggle 31 kilograms of cannabis into Nigeria. The NDLEA operatives intercepted 1,174 pills of MDMA (Ecstasy) concealed in a bicycle luggage carrier headed for the Netherlands. The NDLEA seized 29 cartons of Tapentadol 250mg containing 1,825,710 tablets, valued at about N2.19 billion, at the airport import shed. The NDLEA arrested Onyeka Valentine Emeka at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu and found him to have excreted 185.36 grams of cocaine.

The NDLEA's continuous efforts to combat drug traffickers and peddlers are reducing the prevalence of illicit drugs in Nigeria. The agency's ability to seize large quantities of illicit drugs and arrest suspects is a testament to its commitment to combating drug abuse in the country. It's essential for Nigerians to be aware of the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of reporting suspicious activities to the authorities. The NDLEA's efforts to combat drug trafficking networks across the country are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.

As the NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign, it's essential for Nigerians to remain vigilant. They should report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The NDLEA's Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, has been instrumental in leading the agency's efforts to combat drug abuse in Nigeria. His leadership and vision have been pivotal in the NDLEA's success in seizing illicit drugs and arresting suspects.

The NDLEA's operations are a reminder that the fight against drug abuse is an ongoing effort. It requires the cooperation and support of all Nigerians. The agency's commitment to reducing the prevalence of illicit drugs in the country is a testament to its dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians. The NDLEA won't stop until it has combated drug abuse in Nigeria. It's a challenging task, but the agency is dedicated to it.

The NDLEA's seizure of illicit drugs valued at over N2.1 billion and the arrest of suspects, including a 63-year-old Chinese grandmother, are significant efforts in combating drug abuse in Nigeria. The agency's commitment to reducing the prevalence of illicit drugs in the country is a testament to its dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians. The NDLEA's efforts are making a difference, and it's essential for Nigerians to support the agency in its efforts to combat drug abuse. The NDLEA's success is due to its hard work and dedication to combating drug trafficking networks across the country.