The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an alleged major illicit drug distributor in Bayelsa State, intensifying efforts to curb drug trafficking in the region. The suspect, identified as Chimezie Collins, was apprehended by operatives of the Bayelsa State Command following sustained surveillance.
Collins, also known by the alias “Mezico,” is the owner of MEZICO Pharmacy located along the Mbiam-Yenagoa Road in Kpansia, Yenagoa. According to authorities, he was arrested in possession of a significant quantity of controlled and prohibited substances.
NDLEA officials reported that a total of 1,030 tablets and caplets of various drugs were recovered from the suspect. These included high-strength Tramadol (200mg and 100mg), Swinol, Rohypnol, Diazepam, and Molly, a synthetic designer drug. The agency said the total number of tablets and caplets seized amounted to about 1,900.
In addition to the tablets, operatives also confiscated 150 bottles of Diazepam and Pentazocine injections. Another 77 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered during the operation.
The total weight of the seized substances was estimated at 12.461 kilograms. Authorities placed the street value of the drugs at approximately N3 million.
The NDLEA described Collins as a notorious and unrepentant drug distributor who had been under surveillance for an extended period. According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Command, SN Daniel Obah, the suspect had been on the agency’s watchlist for about two years prior to his arrest.
Obah explained that the arrest was the result of sustained intelligence gathering and monitoring by NDLEA officers. He noted that the operation demonstrated the agency’s commitment to tackling drug-related crimes through strategic enforcement efforts.
Reacting to the development, the State Commander of NDLEA in Bayelsa, Kanu Sunny Chukwuemeka, commended the officers involved in the operation. He praised their professionalism and persistence in tracking the suspect and successfully carrying out the arrest.
Chukwuemeka also expressed appreciation to the Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), for providing leadership that supports intelligence-driven operations. He said such leadership has strengthened the agency’s capacity to combat drug trafficking and abuse effectively.
The commander further acknowledged the support of the Bayelsa State Government in the agency’s operations. He specifically thanked Governor Douye Diri for backing initiatives aimed at reducing both the supply and demand for illicit drugs in the state.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to intensifying the fight against drug-related offenses across Bayelsa. They emphasized that the arrest serves as a warning to individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
Chukwuemeka used the opportunity to caution drug dealers and traffickers to desist from their activities or face strict legal consequences. He stressed that the NDLEA would continue to pursue offenders and dismantle networks involved in the distribution of illicit substances.
The agency maintained that operations like this are part of broader efforts to address the growing concerns around drug abuse and trafficking, which pose significant risks to public health and safety.
NDLEA officials indicated that investigations into the case are ongoing, with the possibility of further arrests as the agency works to uncover additional links connected to the suspect’s activities.
