Kwara NDLEA busts drug networks, seizes 5.7 tonnes of Narcotics

By Ahmed Olayinka

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara State Command, has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse, arresting 985 suspected drug traffickers and users, seizing over 5.7 tonnes of illicit substances, and securing the conviction of 68 offenders within the last one year, THE PRIME NEWS reports.

The State Commander of the NDLEA, Hajia Fatima Popoola, disclosed this on Wednesday in Ilorin during activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, themed “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

Popoola revealed that the arrests, seizures, convictions, and rehabilitation efforts were recorded between June 2025 and June 2026, describing the achievements as significant milestones in the agency’s ongoing war against illicit drug trafficking and abuse in the state.

According to her, Kwara State’s strategic geographical location has made it a major transit route for drug traffickers moving illegal substances between northern and southern Nigeria.

“Kwara serves as a bridge between the North and the South. Unfortunately, this advantage has also made the state a major corridor for drug trafficking activities. Most of our significant arrests and seizures occur along the Ogbomosho-Jebba axis,” she said.

The NDLEA boss disclosed that operatives recently intercepted a luxury V8 Sports Utility Vehicle transporting large quantities of cannabis concealed in hidden compartments.

“Just last week, we arrested 600 blocks of cannabis weighing about 304 kilograms at Jebba in Moro Local Government Area. The drugs were being transported in a brand-new V8 Jeep carrying a Federal Government registration number.

Some of the drugs were cleverly hidden beneath the vehicle’s seats,” she explained.

Popoola noted that cannabis remains the most abused and trafficked substance in Kwara State.

However, she said the agency has also recorded seizures of several other dangerous drugs, including tramadol, skunk, Loud, Colorado, Molly, cough syrups, amphetamine-type stimulants, Rohypnol, Captagon and Tapentadol.

She expressed concern over the increasing circulation of synthetic narcotics and the evolving tactics employed by drug traffickers to evade security agencies.

“Drug traffickers are becoming more sophisticated. They continue to modernise their operations and adopt new methods of concealment and distribution. As an agency, we are also upgrading our strategies to effectively counter these criminal networks,” she stated.

The commander particularly highlighted the recent seizure of Captagon, a highly potent stimulant often associated with terrorist groups and organised criminal networks in some parts of the world.

“The Captagon seizure we recorded recently was one of the most significant in recent times. It was intercepted along the Ogbomosho-Jebba highway while in transit. This is a dangerous substance known for its links to terrorism and organised crime,” she added.

Popoola also raised concerns over the growing use of digital platforms for drug trafficking, revealing that criminal syndicates are increasingly leveraging online channels to market and distribute illicit substances.

She recalled a case involving students of a tertiary institution in Kwara State who allegedly baked cannabis into cakes and sold the products online.

“Last year, we arrested some students who infused cannabis into cakes and marketed them through online platforms. They already had a customer base and were making sales through digital channels,” she said.

The NDLEA commander further warned about the emergence of clandestine laboratories used for the illegal production of methamphetamine in Nigeria, noting that the agency recently uncovered another illicit methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State.

Beyond enforcement activities, Popoola emphasized the agency’s commitment to rehabilitation and prevention, revealing that 29 individuals battling drug dependence were admitted into the command’s rehabilitation facility during the review period.

She added that 28 of the patients successfully completed treatment and were reintegrated into society, while 213 others received brief intervention services and counseling.

“In addition to treatment and rehabilitation, we have carried out extensive sensitisation campaigns in schools, markets, religious centres and communities across Kwara State to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse,” she said.

The NDLEA commander commended the Kwara State Government for introducing drug integrity tests for students and newly recruited teachers, describing the initiative as a proactive measure toward curbing substance abuse.

“About 10,000 students have undergone drug testing in Kwara State, while nearly 2,000 newly recruited teachers were also screened. This is one of the most effective preventive measures any government can adopt,” she noted.

Despite the achievements recorded, Popoola lamented the command’s logistical challenges, particularly inadequate operational vehicles and mobility resources, which she said continue to affect operations.

She appealed to parents, community leaders, and residents to support the agency by monitoring young people closely and reporting suspicious drug-related activities.

“Parents must pay closer attention to their children, especially students living outside school campuses. Communities also have a role to play because we cannot be everywhere at the same time.

“If you see something, say something. Our toll-free helpline, 080010203040, remains available round the clock for reports, counseling, and referrals,” she urged.

Speaking at the event, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, described the scale of the seizures as alarming and commended the NDLEA for preventing the illicit substances from reaching communities.

“Imagine the devastating consequences if these drugs had found their way into our streets, schools, and communities. The NDLEA deserves commendation for these remarkable achievements,” she said.

Olukoju assured the agency of the state government’s continued support and called on media organizations to intensify public awareness campaigns against drug abuse.

“The figures released today are alarming. Government will continue to support the NDLEA, but the fight against drug abuse requires collective effort. We must all work together to protect our youths and secure the future of our society,” she added.