The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 45-year-old man, Ashiru Bala, for allegedly possessing 1,499 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup in Kano State.
The arrest was carried out by operatives of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command during an intelligence-led operation.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Kano.
According to him, the Commander of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, said the suspect was arrested at his residence in Lambu, located in Tofa Local Government Area of the state.
“The suspect was arrested at his residence in Lambu, Tofa Local Government Area on Feb. 25, 2026 following an intelligence-led operation,” Yahaya-Lawal said.
He explained that the suspect had transported the consignment from Abuja and intended to deliver it to a local dealer in Kano for illicit consumption.
Further investigation revealed that Bala had allegedly been involved in transporting illegal drugs for about two years.
According to the NDLEA commander, the suspect admitted to moving such illicit substances during that period and disclosed that he previously worked in township services in Abuja for four years.
He also acknowledged receiving substantial payments for each consignment he transported, indicating that he was aware of the illegal nature of the activity.
Yahaya-Lawal said the arrest underscored the agency’s commitment to safeguarding communities from the dangers posed by illicit drugs.
“Intelligence-driven enforcement, especially during periods of increased demand such as festive seasons, remains central to the command’s strategy,” he said.
He added that the command would continue to intensify operations against drug trafficking networks.
“We will sustain pressure on drug networks and ensure offenders are brought to justice,” the commander stated.
Yahaya-Lawal further explained that the arrest formed part of the ongoing “Operation Ramadan Mubarak,” an initiative of the NDLEA aimed at strengthening anti-drug enforcement efforts during the Ramadan period.
The operation aligns with the agency’s renewed national agenda of promoting a drug-free society under the leadership of NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa.
