Canadian Woman Arrested for Importing Synthetic Cannabis

NDLEA Foils International Drug Smuggling Attempt

“Though the container had earlier been cleared out of the ESS Libra Bonded Terminal in Ikorodu based on credible intelligence, NDLEA..."

The recent arrests and seizures by NDLEA underscore the agency's commitment to curbing the illicit drug trade. These successes include the apprehension of Bolanle Ajenifuja and three others, as well as the interception of 'Canadian Loud' synthetic cannabis worth millions, imported by Adrienne Munju.

A 41-year-old Canadian woman, Adrienne Munju, was apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. She was caught importing a substantial quantity of synthetic cannabis, known as 'Canadian Loud', on October 3, 2024.

The arrest occurred during inward clearance of passengers on a KLM airline flight from Canada at Terminal 1. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed that a thorough examination of Munju's luggage yielded 74 parcels of the illicit substance, weighing 35.20 kilograms. The drugs were concealed in two of her three bags.

Munju, a first-time visitor to Nigeria, was taken into custody by NDLEA operatives. The agency's swift action underscores its commitment to curbing the influx of illicit substances into the country.

Key Details:

• Suspect: Adrienne Munju, 41, Canadian national
• Arrest Location: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos
• Date: October 3, 2024
• Substance: Synthetic cannabis ('Canadian Loud')
• Quantity: 74 parcels, 35.20 kilograms
• Flight: KLM airline from Canada
• Terminal: 1, Lagos airport.

In another significant bust, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted 100 parcels of synthetic cannabis, known as 'Canadian Loud', at the Tincan seaport in Lagos on October 3. The illicit substance weighed 50 kilograms.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the consignment was cleverly concealed in a container carrying four imported vehicles from Canada. Investigators discovered the drugs packed in 20 parcels each within five jumbo bags.

This seizure, combined with the arrest of Adrienne Munju at the Lagos airport, highlights the NDLEA's vigilance and efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

Key Details:

• Location: Tincan seaport, Lagos
• Date: October 3
• Substance: Synthetic cannabis ('Canadian Loud')
• Quantity: 100 parcels, 50kg
• Concealment: 5 jumbo bags within a container with 4 imported vehicles
• Origin: Canada

In Taraba State, a significant drug bust occurred on October 3 when NDLEA officers intercepted a commercial bus en route from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Jalingo. The bus, marked JAL 198 YQ, was found to be transporting 80 blocks of cannabis weighing 38 kilograms. Interestingly, the drugs were cleverly hidden in bags of garri, a popular West African cassava flour.

This seizure highlights the NDLEA's vigilance in combating illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. It's worth noting that Onitsha and Jalingo are approximately 367 miles (591 km) apart, making this a significant interception. The NDLEA's efforts demonstrate their commitment to disrupting the supply chain of illicit substances in the country.

Details of the Seizure:

• Date: October 3
• Location: Taraba State
• Bus Registration: JAL 198 YQ
• Origin: Onitsha, Anambra State
• Destination: Jalingo
• Substance: Cannabis
• Quantity: 80 blocks, 38kg
• Concealment: Bags of garri

He said, “Though the container had earlier been cleared out of the ESS Libra Bonded Terminal in Ikorodu based on credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives were able to trace it to a warehouse in Ikorodu where the illicit consignments were discovered in one of the imported vehicles, a Toyota Sienna bus.

“A suspect, Abubakar Shuaibu Ibrahim, has already been taken into custody connection with the seizure.”

“Large quantities of opioids: Tramadol, Rohypnol, and codeine-based syrup concealed in body compartments of the vehicle were recovered when it was searched, while two suspects, Pako Thomas and Emmanuel Anyigor, were arrested. Another suspect, Chibuzor Okafor, was arrested at Wukari on Wednesday, October 2, with 80 blocks of cannabis weighing 38kg hidden in bags of garri,” the statement added.

On Friday, October 4, Bolanle Ajenifuja was apprehended by authorities in the Afo-Media area of Ojo, Lagos, according to Femi Babafemi, spokesperson for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). During the arrest, 700 litres of skuchies, a mixture of local Chapman and illicit drugs, were seized from Ajenifuja.

Additionally, three other suspects - Ezekiel Akpele, Elijah Michael, and Goddard John - were taken into custody the same day. This operation was part of the NDLEA's ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria.

The arrest of Bolanle Ajenifuja and others comes amidst a series of high-profile drug busts in Nigeria, notably the recent detention of Adrienne Munju, a Canadian woman caught with a large shipment of 'Canadian Loud' at Lagos airport.

“On the same day, NDLEA operatives raided two cannabis farms located at Bridge Camp, a boundary community between Edo and Ondo states. Not less than 9,966.332kg of the substance was destroyed on over three hectares of farmland, with 48kg of the already processed psychoactive substance recovered,” the statement added.