The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State command, has recovered 112 kilograms of cannabis following a road accident on the busy Zaria-Kano highway.
The incident happened early Saturday morning, September 6, near Gadar Tamburawa, when a Volkswagen Golf collided with a truck around 6 a.m. NDLEA officers on patrol nearby rushed to the scene after hearing the loud crash.
According to a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, the officers quickly moved to rescue those involved in the accident. They removed the windscreen and a window of the Volkswagen Golf to free the driver, and forced open the other door to help the passenger.
The passenger tried to escape immediately after being freed but was quickly caught by the NDLEA officers.
During a search of the vehicle, operatives found 150 blocks and three sacks of cannabis sativa hidden inside, weighing a total of 112 kilograms.
The driver confessed to working for a drug consignor and said he had delivered similar consignments both within and outside Kano State before. He also revealed that he took a one-way route to avoid NDLEA checkpoints while entering Kano.
The driver is currently receiving medical treatment and remains under investigation. The truck driver involved in the crash reportedly suffered a fractured limb.
The NDLEA stated that this case involves two offenses: reckless driving that caused the accident and trafficking in narcotics.
The agency reminded the public about the dangers of drug trafficking and urged everyone to report any suspicious movements or drug-related activities to NDLEA offices nationwide.
Drug trafficking remains a major challenge in Nigeria, with cannabis being one of the most commonly abused illegal substances in the country. The NDLEA has been actively working to curb the spread and use of illegal drugs through regular patrols, arrests, and awareness campaigns.
Cannabis sativa, locally known as Indian hemp or weed, is widely abused across Nigeria. Its illegal cultivation, trafficking, and use contribute to various social problems, including crime and health issues.
The Zaria-Kano highway is a key route linking northern Nigeria and is frequently used by traffickers to move illegal drugs. The NDLEA regularly mounts checkpoints on this highway to intercept and seize narcotics.
This recent seizure is part of ongoing efforts by the agency to crack down on drug trafficking networks operating in and around Kano State.
