Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency under the Kano Strategic Command have arrested a 45-year-old man identified as Ashiru Bala for allegedly possessing 1,499 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup in Kano State.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari who quoted the commander Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal. He said the suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation carried out by NDLEA operatives in Lambu area of Tofa Local Government Area.

According to the agency the suspect had transported the large consignment of codeine syrup from Abuja and intended to deliver it to a local dealer in Kano where the substance would be distributed for illicit consumption. Investigators believe the shipment formed part of a broader drug supply chain operating across different states.

Preliminary interrogation reportedly revealed that Bala had been involved in transporting such prohibited substances for about two years and was paid for each consignment moved. Authorities said he was aware that the activity was illegal but continued due to the financial gains involved.

The NDLEA commander stated that the operation reflects the agency’s ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking networks in the region. He added that intelligence-led enforcement operations will continue as the agency intensifies its campaign to reduce the circulation of dangerous substances and protect communities from drug abuse.