The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised concern over emerging tactics being used to conceal and distribute illicit drugs, warning that substances are now being hidden in balloons, baked goods, and imitation beverage containers.
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‎The Rivers State Command of the agency revealed that drug users and traffickers are increasingly adopting creative and less obvious methods to evade detection during social events and routine checks.
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‎Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the Deputy Commander in charge of Operations, Obedeke Kennedy, said balloons have recently been used to conceal substances such as nitrous oxide, which are later released for inhalation at parties to produce intoxicating effects.
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‎He added that baked products, especially cakes, are also being used to mix and disguise cannabis consumption, making it harder to identify during circulation.
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‎Kennedy further disclosed that some individuals now hide liquid drugs in bottles designed to look like popular soft drinks, a trend he described as part of an evolving challenge in drug enforcement.
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‎Displaying exhibits seized over the past six months, he noted that these unconventional concealment methods are becoming more common among users and traffickers.
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‎The Rivers State Commander of the NDLEA, Offor Onyeso, also briefed journalists, stating that the command arrested 242 suspects within the review period. The figure includes 192 men and 49 women, with about 146.181 kilogrammes of illicit substances recovered.
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‎He added that 23 users were treated and rehabilitated, while 61 suspects had been convicted and 82 cases are still pending before the Federal High Court.
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‎The command urged members of the public to stay alert and report suspicious activities, stressing that drug concealment strategies are constantly evolving and require stronger community awareness and cooperation to curb substance abuse.