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NDLEA Busts Turkey–Nigeria Drug Ring, Arrests Ex-Footballer and Four Others.
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Large Drug Shipments Seized During Raids Across Lagos.
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Agency Vows Justice as Investigation Continues.
Nigeria’s drug-fighting agency, NDLEA broke up a cross-border smuggling ring between Nigeria and Turkey and nabbed five suspects including a former pro footballer.
Also Read: NDLEA Arrests Ex-Nigerian Footballer With Cocaine
The network was swiftly shut down by NDLEA teams conducting well-coordinated raids in Lagos and other locations.
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NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said that the anonymous former football player and four other people were arrested on Sunday, June 29, 2025, after months of tight monitoring and intelligence operations.
The officers were able to stop significant shipments of heroin and cocaine that the traffickers had hidden for export.
One member while trying to board a flight to Istanbul was apprehended at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
In addition, simultaneous searches of homes and storage spots uncovered cell phones, narcotics, packing supplies, and documents tied to the ring’s operations.
According to preliminary investigations, the former football player assisted in the drug trade by using his extensive network and travel benefits.
Therefore, all five suspects now await detailed forensic and digital evidence checks before formal charges go ahead.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) called the operation a “huge victory” against international cartels and emphasized that no one, no matter their status, can dodge the law.
He therefore, urged Nigerians to turn away from the drug trade and back national efforts to stop trafficking.
