In a major operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully apprehended two members of a syndicate engaged in the illicit importation and trafficking of the highly potent synthetic opioid, Fentanyl, at the notorious Ogbogwu Market located at the Onitsha Head Bridge, Anambra State. Known as the largest drug market in West Africa, the market has become a hub for drug-related activities in the region.

The NDLEA disclosed that Fentanyl, a lethal substance known to be 100 times stronger than Tramadol, poses a grave threat to the youth population, which is the primary target of these cartels. The agency highlighted the potential for mass casualties associated with the drug and cautioned that exposure to Fentanyl, which can be found in various forms, may result in 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.

According to Femi Babafemi, the spokesperson for the NDLEA, the arrest of the two suspects, Odoh Oguejiofor and Chigozie Uzoma, at Ogbogwu Market was a well-coordinated operation based on intelligence received in November 2022. The alert issued by the agency revealed that criminal elements were plotting to flood the Nigerian market with Fentanyl, a drug that already accounts for over 70 percent of overdose deaths. The CDC in the United States has described Fentanyl as being 80 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than heroin.

The NDLEA, working in collaboration with local and international partners, meticulously traced the origin of the illicitly manufactured drug to Ogbogwu Market, following months of undercover monitoring. The Chairman of the NDLEA, Maj. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), ordered a gradual deployment of operatives to apprehend members of the syndicate one by one, ensuring sufficient evidence was gathered to build a strong case against the suspects.

Babafemi revealed that Odoh Oguejiofor was the first to be apprehended while in possession of packets containing 100 micrograms of Fentanyl. Shortly after, Chigozie Uzoma, a significant distributor of various illicitly manufactured pharmaceutical opioids, including Fentanyl, was also arrested. Substantial quantities of banned and controlled drugs, including Fentanyl, were seized from Uzoma, encompassing ampules of Fentanyl injection, Ozempic solution for injection in pre-filled pens, Sustanon 250mg/ml ampules, Rivavirin injection 200mg/2ml ampules, Erythropoietin injection ampules, Recombinant anti-Rho-D Immunoglobulin injection 300MG ampules, Pethidine 100mg/2ml solution for injection ampules, and Zoladex 3.6mg Goserelin.

Upon learning of the successful operation, Chairman Buba Marwa commended the NDLEA officers and personnel involved, urging them to intensify efforts in tracking down other members of the cartel who may have gone into hiding. Marwa expressed determination to bring the entire criminal gang to justice to prevent further harm, particularly to the nation’s youth. He thanked international partners for their support and cooperation and urged parents and stakeholders to remain vigilant and caution their children against experimenting with this illicit substance.