The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Ashiru Bala, a 45-year-old man for allegedly possessing 1,499 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup in Kano State.
Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, the command’s public relations officer made this known in a statement issued on Thursday in Kano.
He quoted the command’s Commander, Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, as saying “the suspect was arrested at his residence in Lambu, Tofa Local Government Area of the state on Feb. 25, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation.”
Yahaya-Lawal explained that Bala was intercepted after transporting the consignment from Abuja, adding that the drugs were meant for delivery to a local dealer in Kano for illicit consumption.
According to him, the suspect admitted to transporting the illegal substances for about two years and revealed that he had previously worked in township services in Abuja for four years.
“He also confirmed receiving substantial payments for each consignment moved, indicating awareness of the illegal nature of the act,” the commander said.
Yahaya-Lawal noted that the arrest demonstrated the command’s commitment to protecting communities from the dangers of illicit drugs.
He added that intelligence-driven enforcement, especially during periods of increased demand such as festive seasons, remains central to the command’s strategy.
The commander further stated that the operation formed part of the ongoing “Operation Ramadan Mubarak,” initiated in line with the national campaign for a drug-free society championed by NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa.