{
  "id": 8665865,
  "title": "NDLEA intercepts N3.4bn drugs, arrests fake cop, mechanic",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/ndlea-intercepts-n3-4bn-drugs-arrests-fake-cop-mechanic",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-20T10:58:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ndlea-intercepts-n3-4bn-drugs-arrests-fake-cop-mechanic/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently intercepted an estimated N3.4 billion worth of illegal drugs and arrested several individuals involved in drug trafficking. In Delta State, a 49-year-old man named Innocent Ekpe was apprehended while transporting 292.48kg of skunk concealed in his silver Toyota Sienna bus. Ekpe had been impersonating a Deputy Superintendent of Police using a forged ID card to avoid detection at checkpoints. In Edo State, 45-year-old Matthew Ossai was arrested along with 48kg of Canadian Loud cannabis and 152g of methamphetamine hidden in an auto-repair workshop. Three suspects in Niger State were arrested with firearms and ammunition, along with two locally made weapons. In Anambra and Nasarawa States, over 1.1 million tramadol tablets and capsules, codeine syrup, methamphetamine, and Exol tablets were seized from suspects who concealed the drugs in eight sacks. Lagos reported the arrest of 22-year-old Onyeka Ofor for 48,900 tramadol pills, and 59kg of cannabis intercepted from a logistics company. Ibrahim Hudu was apprehended in Lagos with 998.38kg of nitrous oxide gas. In Gombe State, 154,480 tramadol capsules were recovered from two suspects, while in Imo State, 43.85kg of skunk was seized from Ifesinachi Godwin. Four suspects were arrested in Ondo State for dismantling a cannabis farm and recovering 48kg of dry and fresh cannabis plants. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) commended the efforts of the agency's officers and urged them to continue their intelligence-driven drug control operations.",
  "summary": "The NDLEA has intercepted over N3.4bn worth of drugs, including tramadol and cannabis, in nationwide operations, arresting a fake policeman and others. Read More: https://punchng.com/ndlea-intercepts-n3-4bn-drugs-arrests-fake-cop-mechanic/",
  "key_points": [
    "NDLEA intercepts N3.4bn worth of illegal drugs",
    "Innocent Ekpe, 49, arrested with 292.48kg skunk in Delta State",
    "Matthew Ossai, 45, seized 48kg Canadian cannabis in Edo State"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "NDLEA intercepts N3.4bn drugs, arrests fake cop, mechanic",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/ndlea-intercepts-n3-4bn-drugs-arrests-fake-cop-mechanic-8667262",
        "published": "2026-09-20T11:06:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Trust",
        "title": "NDLEA nabs fake police officer transporting drugs across states",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/ndlea-nabs-fake-police-officer-transporting-drugs-across-states",
        "published": "2026-09-21T01:59:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}