NDLEA Training
EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a significant operation, the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully apprehended members of a syndicate involved in the illicit importation and trafficking of the deadly synthetic opioid,
Fentanyl is a highly potent drug, estimated to be 100 times stronger than Tramadol, and has the potential to cause widespread harm, particularly among the targeted youth population.
According to Femi Babafemi, the spokesperson for the agency, the arrests were made at the Ogbogwu market located at the Onitsha Head Bridge in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The operation was meticulously planned and executed with clinical precision.
The arrests followed an alert issued by the anti-narcotics agency on November 22, 2022, regarding criminal elements plotting to flood the Nigerian market with Fentanyl. This drug is known to be responsible for over 70% of overdose deaths and is a significant contributor to fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the United States.
Fentanyl, which is approximately 80 times more potent than morphine and 100 times stronger than heroin according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US, poses a grave threat to public health.
Based on credible intelligence and collaboration with local and international partners, the NDLEA successfully tracked the illicitly manufactured drug to the Ogbogwu market. This market is reputed to be the largest drug market in West Africa, and extensive undercover monitoring was carried out for several months before the operation.
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, expressed his satisfaction with the agency’s achievement and ordered the deployment of operatives to apprehend members of the syndicate one by one.
The first arrest was made of Odoh Collins Oguejiofor, who was caught with packets containing 100 micrograms of Fentanyl while on a business mission. Subsequently, Oliver Chigozie Uzoma, a major dealer in illicitly manufactured pharmaceutical opioids, including Fentanyl, was also apprehended.
During the arrests, liquid Fentanyl was seized from Odoh, while Uzoma was found in possession of various quantities of banned and controlled drugs, including Fentanyl.
The confiscated substances encompassed Ampules of Fentanyl Injection, Ozempic solution for injection in pre-filled pens, Ampules of Sustanon 250mg/ml, Ampules of Rivavirin injection 200mg/2ml, Ampules of Erythropoietin injection, Ampules of Recombinant Anti Rho-D Immunoglobulin injection 300MG, Ampules of Pethidine 100mg/2ml solution for injection, and Zoladex 3.6mg Goserelin.
Responding to the arrests, General Marwa commended all the officers and personnel involved in the operation, urging them to intensify efforts in cracking down on other members of the cartel who may have gone into hiding.
A major dealer
He assured that the NDLEA would relentlessly pursue and apprehend every member of this criminal gang to prevent further harm to public health, particularly among the youth population. General Marwa expressed gratitude to international partners for their confidence, support, and collaboration in tackling drug-related issues for the betterment of society.
Additionally, he called on parents and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and caution their young ones against experimenting with this illicit substance.
The NDLEA emphasized that exposure to Fentanyl, which can take various forms, may lead to symptoms such as pinpoint pupils, drowsiness or loss of consciousness, slow and shallow breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, limp body, and pale, blue, or cold skin. The agency reiterated the dangers associated with this lethal opioid and urged the public to stay informed and alert.
The successful operation against the Fentanyl syndicate in Anambra marks a significant stride in the fight against drug trafficking and the protection of public health.
The NDLEA’s efforts highlight the importance of continued collaboration between local and international agencies to combat the illicit drug trade and safeguard communities from the harmful effects of dangerous substances.
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