The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Arokodare Ebenezer, a 43-year-old businessman from Lekki, for allegedly importing 60 parcels of “loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, into Nigeria from the United States. The arrest took place on March 24, 2025, at Bay Lounge on Admiralty Way, Lekki, as Mr. Ebenezer awaited the delivery of his latest drug shipment.
According to a statement released by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Mr. Ebenezer was apprehended following a successful operation that resulted in the seizure of his consignment. The shipment, which arrived in Nigeria on March 12, had been delivered to a logistics company in Lagos in seven large cartons. The discovery of the drugs came after a series of surveillance operations by NDLEA officers.
Further investigation led authorities to Ebenezer’s Lekki residence, where a search uncovered additional drug-related materials, including 94 grams of cannabis, a cannabis crusher, and various other drug paraphernalia. The total weight of the seized drugs amounted to a staggering 32.24 kilograms.
The arrested suspect, Mr. Ebenezer, allegedly admitted during questioning that he had been involved in the illicit drug trade since 2017. His activities were reportedly part of an ongoing network aimed at smuggling large quantities of narcotics into the country.
The arrest of Arokodare Ebenezer underlines the persistent challenge of drug trafficking in Nigeria, a country that continues to battle with rising drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. The smuggling of potent cannabis strains like “loud” has become increasingly common, with drug cartels targeting international shipping routes and using legitimate logistics companies to conceal their shipments.
The importation of narcotics into Nigeria has long been a concern for the NDLEA, with many drug traffickers attempting to exploit the country’s busy ports and airports to bring illegal substances into the country. In addition to cannabis, synthetic drugs, such as tramadol and other opioids, have also been part of the country’s growing drug trade.
In a separate operation, the NDLEA thwarted an attempt by Omoruyi Terry, another businessman, to export a large quantity of tramadol to Italy. On March 24, 2025, officers intercepted Mr. Terry at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, as he was about to board a Qatar Airways flight to Italy.
Mr. Terry was attempting to export 1,400 pills of tramadol, each with a potency of 225mg, weighing a total of 800 grams. Tramadol, an opioid used for pain relief, has become one of the most abused drugs in Nigeria. The illegal trade of tramadol, particularly in high doses, has been linked to rising cases of substance abuse and its dangerous effects on public health.
The NDLEA’s quick intervention prevented another illegal drug shipment from leaving Nigeria’s borders and highlighted the agency’s ongoing commitment to combatting the country’s increasing drug trafficking problem.
The NDLEA has been at the forefront of efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria. Under the leadership of Chairman Mohamed Marwa, the agency has made significant strides in intercepting and dismantling large-scale drug operations.
In a statement following the arrests, Marwa commended the agency’s officers for their dedication and operational success. He also expressed gratitude for their hard work in making Nigeria’s streets safer from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking. Marwa also extended his best wishes for a happy Eid al-Fitr celebration to his officers, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant and dedicated to the fight against drug-related crimes.
“May the spirit of obedience and sacrifice that defines this special day guide and strengthen us as we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a drug-free society,” Marwa stated, acknowledging the challenging work of the NDLEA in maintaining peace and security.
The arrest of Ebenezer and Terry has prompted concerns among Nigerians about the growing influence of drug cartels and the risks posed by their illegal activities. Many citizens have expressed support for the NDLEA’s efforts and called for tougher penalties for those involved in the trafficking and abuse of drugs.
The NDLEA has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that further arrests may follow as they continue to crack down on drug-related crimes. The agency has also pledged to enhance surveillance and increase its efforts to intercept illicit shipments before they can reach their intended destinations.
The growing problem of drug trafficking is linked to a range of social and economic issues in Nigeria. Drug abuse has contributed to rising crime rates, with many individuals turning to theft and other criminal activities to fund their habits. Additionally, drug addiction has had a devastating impact on families and communities, with widespread health consequences, particularly among the youth population.
The NDLEA has been advocating for stronger regulations and educational programs to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. The agency has also been working closely with international law enforcement agencies to tackle the global nature of drug trafficking and ensure that those involved in smuggling operations are brought to justice.
The arrests of Arokodare Ebenezer and Omoruyi Terry serve as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by drug cartels, and the need for continued vigilance and action in addressing this issue. The NDLEA’s success in seizing large quantities of illicit drugs shows that the agency is making strides in its mission to protect Nigerians from the harmful effects of the global drug trade.
