By Media360Impact News Desk
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Chinese businessman, Liang Tak You, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, for attempting to smuggle 50 parcels of Loud — a potent synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 26.10kg into Nigeria.
Liang, who holds Malaysian citizenship and resides in Kuala Lumpur, arrived in Lagos on an Emirates Airlines flight from Bangkok, Thailand via Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and was apprehended on Friday, July 25, 2025, following actionable intelligence.
In a statement released by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA revealed that the suspect had picked up two suitcases loaded with the contraband in Thailand before flying to Nigeria. Upon landing, he was discreetly tracked through immigration protocols and arrested as he exited the terminal.
Grandma, Others Arrested Across Nigeria in Major Drug Operations
In related operations, NDLEA officers arrested an 80-year-old woman, Mrs. Grace Ekpeme, at her residence on Edet-Nsa Street, Calabar South, Cross River State, with over 3kg of skunk, following credible intelligence on her drug dealing activities.
In Lagos, operatives intercepted one Chidi Agbafo along the Epe-Ajah Expressway transporting 21.7kg of Colorado (another high-grade cannabis strain) disguised in Moi-Moi cooking sachets, alongside 3.8 litres of codeine-based syrup, in a commercial bus bound for Warri and Oghara, Delta State.
A joint operation by NDLEA, the Nigerian Customs Service, and other security agencies at Apapa seaport led to the discovery of 101kg of Canadian Loud, factory-packed in 202 tins of imported food labeled ‘Bean Salad Mix’ and hidden in two Toyota Sienna buses shipped from Canada.
In Borno State, a woman identified as Binta Usman (30) was arrested in the Muna Moforo area of Maiduguri, with 30.1kg of skunk found in her home. A follow-up raid led to the arrest of her accomplice, Bala Abdullahi.
Cannabis Farm Raided, Notorious Dealer Arrested
In Ondo State, three brothers Nanna, Chizom, and Maxwell Ozirinye were arrested after NDLEA operatives uncovered a cannabis plantation in the bending corner forest of Idoani, Ose LGA, destroying 2,500kg of live cannabis plants across one hectare and seizing 121.4kg of processed skunk.
In Edo State, officers raided Asakpa community in Benin City, arresting Bright Sunday Okon (26) and seizing various quantities of Colorado, Loud, Arizona, skunk, and methamphetamine.
Drug Hauls in Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, and Kogi
In Nasarawa State, 105.4kg of skunk was recovered from an abandoned Honda car with registration ABC 204 KM in Keffi.
In Niger State, NDLEA officers arrested Bashir Abdullahi with 6,400 pills of tramadol (225mg) in the Kasuwan Gwari area of Minna.
A notorious dealer, Jamiu Omolaja, was apprehended in Ifo, Ogun State, with 113kg of skunk after resisting arrest with help from his gang members.
In Gombe State, 10,910 capsules of tramadol were intercepted from Adamu Adamu a.k.a. Dankyado along the Gombe-Bajoga road.
Meanwhile, Kogi Command intercepted skunk hidden in garri, dried scent leaves, and other food items along Okene-Lokoja highway. A follow-up arrest in Abuja netted Kindness Bala (27), who was preparing to transport the shipment to Katsina and eventually Qatar.
Also in Kogi, NDLEA officers recovered 23,600 pills of tramadol, 300 ampoules of pentazocine, and 700g of skunk from a truck parked in Ayingba.
WADA Sensitization Campaigns Continue Nationwide
Beyond arrests and seizures, NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign intensified last week. The agency organized sensitization programs at:
Komu/Babaode High School, Oyo State
Beacon Christian Academy, Ebonyi
Government Day Secondary School, Sokoto
Government Junior College, Agege, Lagos
The Anambra State Command also paid advocacy visits to traditional rulers, including Obi Gibson Nwosu (Ezeuzu II) of Awka and Igwe Robert Eze (Okofia VI) of Ukpo.
NDLEA Boss Commends Operatives
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), praised the dedication and bravery of officers across all states involved in the operations. He reiterated the agency’s commitment to balancing drug supply reduction with sustained public awareness and demand reduction strategies.
“These results demonstrate the agency’s determination to dismantle drug syndicates and protect our communities from the scourge of drug abuse,” Marwa stated.
