NDLEA Arrests Traditional Priest, Intercepts ₦1.1bn Worth Of Codeine
According to the NDLEA, the arrest was made after a thorough investigation and surveillance, which led to the discovery of the large consignment of codeine at the priest's residence. The agency's operatives had been tracking the priest for months, following a tip-off about his alleged involvement in the illicit drug trade.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the operatives for their diligence and professionalism in tracking down the suspect. "This is a significant seizure, and we are proud of our operatives for their hard work and dedication to the fight against drug trafficking," he said.
The arrest of the traditional chief priest has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing surprise and disappointment that a respected member of society could be involved in such illicit activities. The NDLEA has warned that it will not tolerate any form of drug trafficking, regardless of the individual's social status or position.
The codeine, which is a controlled substance, was found in large quantities at the priest's residence, and it is believed to have been imported from overseas. The NDLEA has vowed to investigate further to determine the source of the codeine and to bring all those involved to justice.
This seizure is a major blow to the drug trafficking syndicates operating in the country, and it is a testament to the NDLEA's commitment to ridding Nigeria of the scourge of drug abuse. The agency has urged members of the public to provide information that could lead to the arrest of other drug traffickers and to support its efforts in the fight against drug abuse.
The traditional chief priest, Bariu Aliu, is currently in custody and is facing charges related to drug trafficking. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence and fines.
The NDLEA's arrest of the traditional chief priest and the interception of the large consignment of codeine is a significant achievement in the fight against drug trafficking, and it serves as a warning to those involved in the illicit trade that they will be caught and brought to justice.
https://www.channelstv.com/2025/01/12/ndlea-arrests-traditional-priest-intercepts-%e2%82%a61-1bn-worth-of-codeine/