In a dramatic turn of events, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a high-profile arrest, apprehending an 80-year-old man in connection with a staggering ₦14.9 billion opioid bust. The shocking development was revealed on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Nigerian Stories, sending waves across the nation.
The elderly suspect, whose name remains undisclosed, was intercepted by NDLEA operatives during a sophisticated sting operation that led to the discovery of a massive cache of opioids. This haul, valued at a jaw-dropping ₦14.9 billion, underscores the escalating war against drug trafficking in Nigeria, where even unlikely figures are being drawn into the dangerous underworld of narcotics smuggling.
According to sources, the arrest took place after weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the agency’s anti-narcotics unit. The octogenarian was allegedly acting as a key conduit for a notorious drug syndicate, leveraging his unassuming appearance to avoid suspicion. His arrest has stunned many, shedding light on the increasingly complex and far-reaching operations of drug traffickers across the country.
“This is a significant victory in our ongoing fight against the drug menace plaguing Nigeria,” a senior NDLEA officer commented. “It goes to show that no one is beyond scrutiny, and we will stop at nothing to bring traffickers to justice, regardless of age or status.”
This latest seizure adds to the NDLEA’s string of high-profile victories against drug cartels in recent months. With opioids posing a significant threat to public health and safety, the agency’s intensified crackdown reflects its commitment to curbing the epidemic, even as traffickers resort to more unconventional methods.
The arrest of the elderly suspect has sent ripples throughout the criminal underworld, raising questions about how deeply rooted the opioid trade has become and the lengths traffickers are willing to go to evade capture. For now, the NDLEA remains on high alert, ready to dismantle more drug networks in its relentless pursuit of justice.