NDLEA seizes 1,499 bottles of codeine syrup in Kano, arrest suspect

The packs of codeine syrup intercepted by the NDLEA in Kano. Photo: NDLEA

Kindly share this story:

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano Strategic Command, has apprehended a suspected drug smuggler, one Ashiru Bala, 45, with 1,499 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup.n

A statement released on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, said the suspect was arrested at his residence in Lambu village, Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State.n

“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano State Strategic Command has arrested one Ashiru Bala following intelligence-led operations that led to the seizure of 1,499 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine.n

“Operatives arrested Bala at his residence in Lambu, Tofa Local Government Area on 25 February 2026. The suspect was intercepted after transporting the consignment from Abuja,” the statement said.

nn

According to the statement, the drugs were intended for delivery to a local drug dealer in Kano for illicit consumption and were part of supplies stockpiled ahead of the Sallah celebrations.

n

Maigatari said the suspect admitted to transporting the illicit substances for about two years and said he has worked in township services in Abuja for four years.n

He also said that the suspect confirmed that he received substantial payments each time he moved the consignments, suggesting he was fully aware of the illegal nature of his activities.

n

“This arrest is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting communities from the harms of illicit substances,” said the Command’s Commander, DY Lawal. “Intelligence-driven enforcement, especially during periods of increased demand such as festive seasons, remains central to the Command’s strategy.”n

He added that the command will sustain pressure on drug networks and ensure offenders are brought to justice.n

“The operation forms part of the ongoing ‘Operation Ramadan Mubarak,’ initiated by DY Lawal in alignment with the renewed national agenda of a drug-free society championed by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd),” it added.n

A statement released on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, said the suspect was arrested at his residence in Lambu village, Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State.n

“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano State Strategic Command has arrested one Ashiru Bala following intelligence-led operations that led to the seizure of 1,499 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine.n

“Operatives arrested Bala at his residence in Lambu, Tofa Local Government Area on 25 February 2026. The suspect was intercepted after transporting the consignment from Abuja,” the statement said.

nn

According to the statement, the drugs were intended for delivery to a local drug dealer in Kano for illicit consumption and were part of supplies stockpiled ahead of the Sallah celebrations.

n

Maigatari said the suspect admitted to transporting the illicit substances for about two years and said he has worked in township services in Abuja for four years.n

He also said that the suspect confirmed that he received substantial payments each time he moved the consignments, suggesting he was fully aware of the illegal nature of his activities.

n

“This arrest is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting communities from the harms of illicit substances,” said the Command’s Commander, DY Lawal. “Intelligence-driven enforcement, especially during periods of increased demand such as festive seasons, remains central to the Command’s strategy.”n

He added that the command will sustain pressure on drug networks and ensure offenders are brought to justice.n

“The operation forms part of the ongoing ‘Operation Ramadan Mubarak,’ initiated by DY Lawal in alignment with the renewed national agenda of a drug-free society championed by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd),” it added.n

“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano State Strategic Command has arrested one Ashiru Bala following intelligence-led operations that led to the seizure of 1,499 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine.n

“Operatives arrested Bala at his residence in Lambu, Tofa Local Government Area on 25 February 2026. The suspect was intercepted after transporting the consignment from Abuja,” the statement said.

nn

According to the statement, the drugs were intended for delivery to a local drug dealer in Kano for illicit consumption and were part of supplies stockpiled ahead of the Sallah celebrations.

n

Maigatari said the suspect admitted to transporting the illicit substances for about two years and said he has worked in township services in Abuja for four years.n

He also said that the suspect confirmed that he received substantial payments each time he moved the consignments, suggesting he was fully aware of the illegal nature of his activities.

n

“This arrest is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting communities from the harms of illicit substances,” said the Command’s Commander, DY Lawal. “Intelligence-driven enforcement, especially during periods of increased demand such as festive seasons, remains central to the Command’s strategy.”n

He added that the command will sustain pressure on drug networks and ensure offenders are brought to justice.n

“The operation forms part of the ongoing ‘Operation Ramadan Mubarak,’ initiated by DY Lawal in alignment with the renewed national agenda of a drug-free society championed by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd),” it added.n

“Operatives arrested Bala at his residence in Lambu, Tofa Local Government Area on 25 February 2026. The suspect was intercepted after transporting the consignment from Abuja,” the statement said.

nn

According to the statement, the drugs were intended for delivery to a local drug dealer in Kano for illicit consumption and were part of supplies stockpiled ahead of the Sallah celebrations.

n

Maigatari said the suspect admitted to transporting the illicit substances for about two years and said he has worked in township services in Abuja for four years.n

He also said that the suspect confirmed that he received substantial payments each time he moved the consignments, suggesting he was fully aware of the illegal nature of his activities.

n

“This arrest is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting communities from the harms of illicit substances,” said the Command’s Commander, DY Lawal. “Intelligence-driven enforcement, especially during periods of increased demand such as festive seasons, remains central to the Command’s strategy.”n

He added that the command will sustain pressure on drug networks and ensure offenders are brought to justice.n

“The operation forms part of the ongoing ‘Operation Ramadan Mubarak,’ initiated by DY Lawal in alignment with the renewed national agenda of a drug-free society championed by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd),” it added.n

According to the statement, the drugs were intended for delivery to a local drug dealer in Kano for illicit consumption and were part of supplies stockpiled ahead of the Sallah celebrations.

n

Maigatari said the suspect admitted to transporting the illicit substances for about two years and said he has worked in township services in Abuja for four years.n

He also said that the suspect confirmed that he received substantial payments each time he moved the consignments, suggesting he was fully aware of the illegal nature of his activities.

n

“This arrest is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting communities from the harms of illicit substances,” said the Command’s Commander, DY Lawal. “Intelligence-driven enforcement, especially during periods of increased demand such as festive seasons, remains central to the Command’s strategy.”n

He added that the command will sustain pressure on drug networks and ensure offenders are brought to justice.n

“The operation forms part of the ongoing ‘Operation Ramadan Mubarak,’ initiated by DY Lawal in alignment with the renewed national agenda of a drug-free society championed by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd),” it added.n

Maigatari said the suspect admitted to transporting the illicit substances for about two years and said he has worked in township services in Abuja for four years.n

He also said that the suspect confirmed that he received substantial payments each time he moved the consignments, suggesting he was fully aware of the illegal nature of his activities.

n

“This arrest is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting communities from the harms of illicit substances,” said the Command’s Commander, DY Lawal. “Intelligence-driven enforcement, especially during periods of increased demand such as festive seasons, remains central to the Command’s strategy.”n

He added that the command will sustain pressure on drug networks and ensure offenders are brought to justice.n

“The operation forms part of the ongoing ‘Operation Ramadan Mubarak,’ initiated by DY Lawal in alignment with the renewed national agenda of a drug-free society championed by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd),” it added.n

He also said that the suspect confirmed that he received substantial payments each time he moved the consignments, suggesting he was fully aware of the illegal nature of his activities.

n

“This arrest is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting communities from the harms of illicit substances,” said the Command’s Commander, DY Lawal. “Intelligence-driven enforcement, especially during periods of increased demand such as festive seasons, remains central to the Command’s strategy.”n

He added that the command will sustain pressure on drug networks and ensure offenders are brought to justice.n

“The operation forms part of the ongoing ‘Operation Ramadan Mubarak,’ initiated by DY Lawal in alignment with the renewed national agenda of a drug-free society championed by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd),” it added.n

“This arrest is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting communities from the harms of illicit substances,” said the Command’s Commander, DY Lawal. “Intelligence-driven enforcement, especially during periods of increased demand such as festive seasons, remains central to the Command’s strategy.”n

He added that the command will sustain pressure on drug networks and ensure offenders are brought to justice.n

“The operation forms part of the ongoing ‘Operation Ramadan Mubarak,’ initiated by DY Lawal in alignment with the renewed national agenda of a drug-free society championed by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd),” it added.n

He added that the command will sustain pressure on drug networks and ensure offenders are brought to justice.n

“The operation forms part of the ongoing ‘Operation Ramadan Mubarak,’ initiated by DY Lawal in alignment with the renewed national agenda of a drug-free society championed by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd),” it added.n

“The operation forms part of the ongoing ‘Operation Ramadan Mubarak,’ initiated by DY Lawal in alignment with the renewed national agenda of a drug-free society championed by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd),” it added.n

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

nnURGENT UPDATE: n Nigerians can now invest #2.5million on premium domains and profit about #17-#25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rater then Wonder,n n Click here to find out how it works (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this).n n

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

nStay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.n