The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a businessman, his wife, and their two daughters for allegedly operating a major drug distribution network in Lagos.
According to a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, a family friend linked to the operation was also taken into custody.
Babafemi explained that the arrest followed a joint operation with the Department of State Services (DSS), which apprehended the couple on Friday, June 13, in the Ojo area of Lagos and handed them over to the NDLEA along with 277.5 kilogrammes of cannabis (skunk).
“While investigations were ongoing, credible intelligence revealed that their drug business was still being run from their residence. This prompted a follow-up operation on Tuesday, July 1, during which operatives raided the family home and a storage facility, where an additional 231 kilogrammes of the same illicit substance were recovered,” Babafemi said.
He added that the four family members and their associate remain in custody as investigations continue.
In a related development, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, July 2, intercepted a suspected drug trafficker involved in international smuggling.
The suspect, identified as a frequent flyer between Nigeria and Italy, was arrested while attempting to transport concealed drugs.
“He specialised in conveying items for customers between Nigeria and Italy. He was caught with 7,660 pills of tramadol (225mg and 200mg) hidden inside food items packed among other goods,” Babafemi said.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that he was promised 800 euros upon successful delivery of the drugs in Italy.
The agency said further investigations are ongoing, and it remains committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country.
