NDLEA arrests masterminds of Lagos social media drug network, seizing cannabis, tramadol, and other illicit substances in operations across Nigeria.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a social media–based drug distribution network in Lagos, arresting two masterminds and seizing large quantities of cannabis disguised as imported Christmas cookies and snacks.

Also read: NDLEA Busts Lagos Drug Cartel, Seizes N6.7bn Opioids

The syndicate, operated by Deji Adesanya and Olubiyi Majekodunmi, imported Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, and packaged it in colourful designer sachets bearing cookie and snack labels.

The duo allegedly distributed the drugs via a WhatsApp network.

NDLEA operatives raided their Lekki apartment on 22 November, recovering 5 kilograms of Loud and numerous designer sachets at the point of arrest.

In a separate operation on 27 November, NDLEA arrested Philip Ucheka, 38, in Ladipo, Mushin, while he was taking delivery of 110 pouches of Canadian Loud (55.6kg).

Three delivery vehicles used in distribution were also impounded.

Further seizures included 100 grams of cannabis concealed in a teddy bear imported from Thailand and 548 tramadol capsules hidden in Vitamin C and Magnesium bottles bound for the United Kingdom.

Across other states, NDLEA conducted multiple operations:

Oyo State: Arrest of Wasiu Kareem with 8,000 ampoules of pentazocine, 590 bottles of codeine syrup, 1,500 Co-codamol pills, and 9,900 tramadol capsules.

Ondo State: Seven suspects arrested in Ipe Forest, recovering 3,077kg of skunk cannabis.

Kogi State: Anthony Sylvester arrested transporting 649kg of skunk.

Lagos Seme border: Abubakar Shuaibu arrested with 243.5kg of skunk.

Kano State: Tsalha Alasan arrested with 137kg of skunk.

Bauchi State: Three suspects arrested with 209kg of skunk and a Toyota Highlander used for transport.

Abuja–Jos and Abuja–Kaduna Highways: Arrests of John Ekojo with 210.15kg skunk, a couple with 725 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and Awwal Sabiu with 400 rounds of live ammo.

NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the operations, highlighting the agency’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking and illicit substance distribution across Nigeria.

Also read: NDLEA targets Kano drug networks in major crackdown, arrests 230

The multi-state crackdown demonstrates NDLEA’s use of intelligence-led operations to dismantle complex drug networks, especially those leveraging social media and courier services for distribution.