The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted what it termed as the largest single heroin consignment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State. Alongside the interception, members of an organized criminal syndicate, known for trafficking heroin across Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Europe, and America, were apprehended in an operation leading to the seizure of the consignment, weighing 51.90 kilograms, on February 12, 2024.

Buba Marwa, Chairman of the NDLEA, disclosed these details while addressing journalists on Tuesday in Lagos. Marwa emphasized that this operation marked the largest heroin seizure at the airport to date. The seized consignment, concealed within 15 cartons of 2300-watt metal cutting machines, reflected a significant parallel to the September 18, 2022, seizure of 2,139.5 kilograms of cocaine in a warehouse located in the Ikorodu area of the state – described as the largest singular cocaine seizure in NDLEA history.

During a follow-up operation conducted by NDLEA operatives, four members of the cartel linked to the recent seizure were apprehended. Marwa outlined, “NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command intercepted a suspicious package at the SAHCO Import Shed of the airport’s Cargo Terminal. The consignment was concealed in 15 cartons of 2300-watt metal cutting machines, each stocked with three blocks of high-grade heroin. In total, we recovered 45 blocks of the illicit substance, weighing a total of 49.70 kilograms.”

He further elaborated on the initial stages of the investigation, including the arrest of the freight agent, Olowolagba Wasiu Babatunde, hired for clearing services by Mattpee Logistics, a company operated by Mr. Kola, residing in South Africa.