NDLEA Cracks Down on International Drug Trafficking Lagos, Italy-Based Kingpins

• Arrests 13,198kg Cannabis Destroyed in Edo, Katsina Drug Factory Dismantled

In a sweeping crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Lekki-based businessman, Arokodare Damil Ebenezer, and an Italy-based trafficker, Omoruyi Terry, over attempts to smuggle dangerous narcotics between Nigeria, the United States, and Europe.

Arokodare, the proprietor of Damillionz Takeout, was apprehended on March 24, 2025, at Bay Lounge, Admiralty Way, Lekki, while waiting to receive a shipment of 60 parcels of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis from the United States.

The illicit consignment, hidden in seven large cartons, had been intercepted earlier by NDLEA operatives at a Lagos-based logistics company on March 12. Following his arrest, a search of his Lekki residence uncovered 94 grams of the same psychoactive substance, a cannabis crusher, and drug paraphernalia, bringing the total weight of drugs seized from him to 32.24kg. During interrogation, he admitted to engaging in the illicit trade since 2017.

Similarly, NDLEA operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, thwarted an attempt by Omoruyi Terry, an Italy-based frequent traveller and logistics agent, to smuggle 1,400 pills of Tramadol 225mg weighing 800 grams to Italy. Omoruyi was intercepted at Terminal 2 while preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight.

In a related operation in Katsina State, NDLEA operatives stormed a drug re- packaging factory in Godai village, Daura Local Government Area, arresting four suspects—Baraka Abubakar (40), Haruna Alitine (23), Muhammad Babangida (20), and Hamisu Lawal. The raid led to the seizure of 684 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 423kg and 86,000 diazepam pills. The suspects were caught repackaging the pills into unbranded containers, while the female suspect, Baraka, was found in possession of large quantities of skunk stored in her house.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Edo State destroyed 13,198kg of cannabis sativa hidden in major forest plantations. The large-scale destruction, carried out between March 24 and March 28, targeted four illicit farms in Uhen Forest (Ovia North East LGA), Sobe (Owan West LGA), and Amahor Forest (Igueben LGA). Additionally, 158kg of the drug was seized for further investigation and prosecution.