In a dramatic turn of events, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 58-year-old Chinese man, Tianzhen Yen, alleged to be the leader of an international drug trafficking syndicate.
The suspect, also known as “Jackie,” was nabbed at a hotel near Alade Market on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.
Cocaine, Methamphetamine Found in Suspect’s Possession
NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, confirmed that the arrest occurred after a coordinated operation by the agency.
“Officers of the Seme Special Area Command intercepted a 40-year-old suspect, Yakubu Emmanuel Mark, at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme expressway on November 21,” Babafemi stated.
Mark, who was traveling to Ghana on a commercial bus, was found with 750 grams of cocaine hidden in his bag.
His arrest led to a swift follow-up operation, which traced the alleged kingpin, Tianzhen Yen, to a hotel in Ikeja.
“During a search of Yen’s hotel room, 4.3 grams of cocaine, one gram of methamphetamine, two electronic weighing scales, and his Chinese National Identification Card were recovered,” Babafemi added.
NDLEA Strikes Big Across Nigeria
This arrest is just one of many recent successes by the NDLEA in dismantling drug networks across the country.
At the Tincan Seaport in Lagos, operatives intercepted 92 parcels of Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, concealed in two vehicles imported from Canada.
The discovery, made during a joint operation with the Nigeria Customs Service, involved a Nissan car and a GMC bus loaded with 23.25 kilograms of cannabis.
In Rivers State, NDLEA officers at the Onne Ports Complex seized a massive consignment of opioids during a joint examination with security agencies.
A total of 168,000 bottles of codeine syrup worth ₦1.17 billion and 4.5 million pills of tramadol valued at ₦3.15 billion were recovered.
The combined street value of the seized drugs stood at an astonishing ₦4.33 billion.
Drug Trade Penetrates Rural Communities
The fight against drug trafficking has also reached Nigeria’s rural areas.
In Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives arrested a physically challenged woman, 50-year-old Mustapha Boja, with 286 grams of cannabis strains Colorado and Loud at her home in Ikere-Ekiti.
Meanwhile, in Ibadan, Oyo State, 64 kilograms of cannabis sativa were seized from Akinyele Motor Park.
In Edo State, raids on drug hideouts yielded 1,200 kilograms of cannabis.
“Utese Forest in Ovia North East and Owan villages in Ovia LGA remain hotspots for cannabis cultivation and trafficking,” Babafemi disclosed.
Arrests were made during these operations, including a 60-year-old suspect and his 24-year-old accomplice in Owan village.
Drug Networks Exploit Highways and Border Points
Interstate trafficking remains a major concern, with several arrests made along major highways.
In Kano, four suspects were intercepted on November 19 at Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria-Kano Road, with 100 blocks of cannabis weighing 45 kilograms.
Similarly, a 55-year-old man was arrested in Toro LGA, Bauchi State, with 124 kilograms of cannabis.
“These arrests show that drug syndicates are exploiting Nigeria’s extensive road network to move narcotics across the country and beyond,” Babafemi said.
NDLEA’s Renewed Commitment
The NDLEA has pledged to intensify its crackdown on drug trafficking.
Chairman Buba Marwa commended officers for their vigilance and urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities.
“The fight against drug trafficking requires collaboration between law enforcement, border security, and the public,” Marwa said.
Chinese Syndicate’s Operations Under Scrutiny
The arrest of Tianzhen Yen highlights the growing involvement of foreign nationals in Nigeria’s drug trade.
Yen, who is believed to have coordinated shipments across West Africa, is being investigated for links to larger international cartels.
The NDLEA has vowed to dismantle his network and bring all accomplices to justice.
A Warning to Drug Lords
This latest operation sends a strong message to drug traffickers operating in Nigeria.
“No matter how sophisticated their networks, we will find them,” Babafemi declared.
