NDLEA apprehends 138 suspected drug dealers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended 138 persons for alleged drug trafficking and seized 1.399 metric tons of drugs.

The drugs were seized at Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and other parts of Lagos State between January and last month.

One hundred and thirty seven men and a woman were arrested for drug trafficking.

NDLEA Lagos commander Aliyu Sule said: “The command between January and March arrested 138 suspected drug dealers including a female and seized 1,399.780kg of drugs. Cannabis has the largest share with 1,390.38kg, tramadol 9.35kg, cocaine 23.65 grams and heroin 22.8 grams”.

The commander said 84 drug dependent persons were counselled and re-united with their families; 54 drug dealers were convicted, while 125 cases are pending.

A suspect Ngozi Owunna, 34, who allegedly distributed cannabis within Ikeja, was caught at Allen Junction with 600 grams of hemp after close monitoring by undercover narcotic agents.

NDLEA quoted the suspect as saying: “I was a commercial motorcyclist but when the state government banned commercial motorcycles, I shifted to cannabis sales. I am from Enugu State.  I am married with three children.”

Abdulrauf Oshilaja, 50, who was allegedly caught with 50.3kg of cannabis, claimed that he took to drug trafficking because of financial hardship.

He said: “I have two wives and five children. I used to sell motor tyres but due to family problem I started selling drugs because there is more profit in it than selling tyres. I am from Oyo State. I was arrested at Ogijo, Ikorodu.”