![BREAKING: NDLEA Arrests Uzodinma Over Attempted Cocaine Smuggling [Photos]](https://gists9ja.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1001438331.jpg)
A 26-year-old nursing student, Esther Onyinyechi Uzodinma, studying at Noida International University in Uttar Pradesh, India, has been apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for attempting to smuggle cocaine.
Esther was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, while preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight to Delhi, India, on Friday, January 17, 2025. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed in a statement on Sunday that the suspect had ingested 76 wraps of cocaine and was caught at 11:30 PM on Thursday, January 16, at the Royal Park Hotel in Sabon Gari, Kano.
A Drug Cartel’s Recruit
During interrogation, Esther admitted to being recruited by a drug cartel in India. She disclosed that the cartel had sponsored her trip to Nigeria under the guise of holidaying during the festive season. To avoid detection, she stayed at a hotel in Enugu instead of visiting her home state, Imo, before traveling to Abuja and Kano. She was promised over $5,000 for successfully delivering the drugs to India.
Other NDLEA Operations
The NDLEA also conducted multiple operations across the country, resulting in significant drug seizures and arrests:
- Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Highway:
- Four suspects, including Abdullahi Umar, Tijjani Samaila, Lucky Obotte, and Abubakar Haruna, were arrested for transporting over 38,000 tramadol pills hidden in audio speakers and clothing.
- Lagos Raids:
- At Ojodu-Berger, 59-year-old Nwokedi Emeka Jonas was caught with 10 parcels of Canadian Loud cannabis weighing 4.9kg.
- Additional raids led to the recovery of large quantities of skunk, tramadol, and other drugs, along with delivery vehicles.
- Kano:
- Usama Adamu and Isah Ibrahim were arrested with 7.6kg of skunk, 78 tubes of rubber solution, and 356 bottles of “suck and die,” a psychoactive substance.
- A separate operation along Zaria Road led to the seizure of 49.8kg of skunk from 29-year-old Usman Isa.
- Other States:
- In Kwara, Taraba, Abuja, and other regions, NDLEA seized significant quantities of cannabis, tramadol, methamphetamine, and codeine syrup.
WADA Sensitization Programs
As part of its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, NDLEA conducted sensitization campaigns in schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities. Advocacy visits included a meeting with Abia State Governor Alex Otti to strengthen anti-drug abuse efforts.
Commendation and Call to Action
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended personnel for their relentless efforts and urged them to remain steadfast in combating drug trafficking and abuse.
This intensified crackdown highlights the agency’s commitment to addressing drug-related crimes and ensuring a drug-free Nigeria.






