The Nation

NDLEA raids snake-guarded shrine in Edo, intercepts 8.7kg of illicit drugs

June 23, 2024 4:01 pm

File photo of an NDLEA official

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have raided a snake-guarded shrine reportedly used to store illicit drugs in Igor community of Edo.

In a statement on Sunday, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said the operatives had detected a specially constructed large hole in a wall covered with wallpapers and fetish objects.

Babafemi said different quantities of illicit substances such as methamphetamine, loud, colorado and arizona, with a total weight of 8.743kg, were pulled from the deep hole.

“At least, two ladies: Sonia Chinonso Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani were arrested during the intelligence-led operation on Tuesday 18th June 2024 after the big black snake guarding the shrine was demobilized,” the statement reads.

The spokesperson said NDLEA operatives also raided the Usen forest in Ovia south-west LGA, Edo state on June 22 where 209kg cannabis and a motorcycle were recovered.

Two suspects, Obi Ferguson and Ernest Abanum, were arrested.

“Meanwhile, NDLEA officers in Lagos have intercepted a carefully packaged consignment of 8.2 kilograms of methamphetamine at a motor park in Mazamaza, Ojo area of the state,” the statement reads.

“The highly addictive illicit substance, also called ice or crystal meth, was packed in imported Dunkin’ turtle love chocolate wraps and then concealed in the casing of three loud speakers.

“A 39-year-old suspect, Michael Odiomume who was sending the consignment to Owerri, Imo state was promptly arrested on Wednesday 19th June at the park.

“In Abuja, operatives on Tuesday 18th June intercepted a white Nissan Frontier pick up vehicle with amber lights and fake registration number of a security agency at Kiyi village in Kuje area of the FCT.

“The vehicle was loaded with 454 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing 340.8kg procured at Uzeba, Edo state.

“A 76-year-old grandfather, Mr. Francis Omofa, linked to the consignment was arrested. He claimed to have been in the illicit drug business for 10 years.”