The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has started investigating members of an organized criminal network behind the recent importation of two containers laden with illicit drugs.
The containers also contained assorted arms and ammunition and shipped in from Durban, South Africa to the Tin Can seaport in Lagos.
NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in a statement, said: “Among those already arrested as members of the syndicate are: a clearing and notify party of the two containers, Falowo Kayode; a dock worker, Anjorin Idowu;and Uzairu Iguda, who is in charge of the Five Star terminal at the port.
“Another dock worker at the terminal, Mohammed Sule (alias Organiser) who is also linked to the syndicate is currently at large.
“Based on credible intelligence, the Agency had requested for a 100 percent joint examination of two containers marked MSCU 4581770 and TRHU 7968071 from South Africa.
“As a result, the exercise was conducted with other stakeholders on January 18 and 19, 2024, during which 56.39kg cocaine and 795kg Colorado, a synthetic strong strain of cannabis among other illegal items were recovered from the containers.
“Following a tasking order by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, to a combined team of specialized units of the agency to unravel those behind the importation of the large consignments of the illicit drugs, ongoing investigations have led to the discovery of more bags of Colorado weighing 192.7kg, a pistol, and rounds of ammunition removed from the container, MSCU 4581770 and hidden in an empty container before the 100 percent joint examination at the Five Star terminal.
“As a result, two suspects: Uzairu Iguda, who is in charge of the terminal’s container positioning and stacking, and Anjorin Idowu who is a dock worker in the terminal have been arrested.
“Another suspect, Mohammed Sule (alias organizer) now at large, is also a dock worker in the terminal.
“Investigations reveal that the three suspects conspired with the agent and notify party, Falowo Kayode, to remove the 192.7kg Colorado, pistol and rounds of ammunition from the container to an empty container in the terminal.
“The latest seizure brings the total recovered from the two containers to 56.39kg of cocaine and 987.9kg of Colorado with a combined weight of 1,044.29kg.
“Investigations have also revealed three kingpins believed to be based in South Africa and connected with the importation of the containers.
“They include: Odeyemi Emmanuel; Akinyemi Olayinka and Adebayo Emmanuel, who are now on the Agency’s wanted list.”
