The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a shipment of Loud, a synthetic cannabis strain, cleverly hidden inside a duvet and prepared for export to the United Kingdom through the cargo shed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos.
Following the discovery on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, two suspects, Adakole Sunday and Austin Balogun, were arrested in connection with the attempted smuggling. The consignment included six parcels of the psychoactive substance, weighing 3.50 kilograms in total.
The NDLEA continues to intensify efforts to curb drug trafficking through Nigeria’s airports.
In his statement, Austin Balogun, the main agent who hired Adakole, claimed he was paid N700,000 to cargo the consignment to UK but spent a fraction of the money on export handling charges and the bulk to pay for an apartment.
At least, two suspects: Joseph Oluwasegun Adewale and Biodun Adelakun were arrested at Igbo Olumo, Ikorodu area of Lagos when NDLEA operatives raided their hideout in the community where seven liters of skuchies, a new psychoactive substance produced with black currant, cannabis and opioids, were recovered.
Other exhibits seized from the duo include: three locally made double barrel riffles; one locally made double barrel pistol; one English-made pistol; one locally made single barrel riffle; three cartridges and one empty 9mm cartridge as well as an iron–head axe.
Another raid in Lagos on Sunday 19th January led to the seizure of 47kg skunk, a strain of cannabis, and 25.46kg Nitrous Oxide popularly known as laughing gas at the notorious Akala area of Mushin.