Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Kano have arrested a 45-year-old man, Ashiru Bala, over alleged drug trafficking after recovering 1,499 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup from him.
The arrest was carried out by the agency’s Kano Strategic Command during an intelligence-driven operation.
Details of the development were disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday, the 5th of March, 2026, by the command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari.
Maigatari said the suspect was picked up at his residence in Lambu village in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State.
“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.
“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.
Investigators said the shipment was meant to be delivered to a drug dealer in Kano, where it would be distributed for illegal consumption.
The statement noted that the consignment formed part of drugs allegedly stockpiled ahead of the upcoming Sallah celebrations.
During interrogation, Bala reportedly confessed that he had been moving such consignments for about two years.
READ ALSO: Court Acquits Abba Kyari In NDLEA Asset Case
He also told operatives that he had worked in township services in Abuja for four years.
Authorities said the suspect admitted he received large payments each time he transported the substances, an indication that he understood the nature of the illegal trade.
The Kano Strategic Commander of the agency, DY Lawal, described the arrest as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the state.
“This arrest is a demonstration of our commitment to protecting communities from the harms of illicit substances,” Lawal said. “Intelligence-driven enforcement, especially during periods of increased demand such as festive seasons, remains central to the Command’s strategy.”
Lawal said the command would continue to target drug trafficking networks and ensure offenders face prosecution.
“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.