NDLEA intercepts massive codeine shipment and arrests suspects nationwide
In a major crackdown, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency uncovered a large codeine syrup factory in Abia State and seized a container with 170,000 bottles of codeine at Apapa seaport. The agency also arrested several suspects linked to illicit drug supply across multiple states. Operations took place between December 8 and December 13, 2025, targeting drug syndicates and traffickers. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa commended officers for their efforts.
What happened
- NDLEA operatives found a codeine syrup factory in Amapu Igbengwo village, Abia, and seized 9,015 bottles on December 11, 2025.
- A container with 170,000 bottles of codeine was intercepted at Apapa seaport, Lagos, on December 13, 2025.
- Suspected drug supplier Mohammed Sani (alias Gamboli) was arrested in Niger State after evading capture for three weeks.
- Multiple drug consignments hidden in black soap and designer wear, bound for the US, Canada, and Sweden, were seized in Lagos between December 9 and 10, 2025.
- Additional arrests and seizures of cannabis, tramadol, and methamphetamine occurred in Enugu, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, and Gombe States during the operations.
