Major Drug Traffickers Arrested In NDLEA’s Nigeria-Wide Crackdown

In-Depth Coverage: NDLEA’s Intensified Crackdown on Drug Kingpins Yields Significant Seizures

In a bid to curb the menace of drug trafficking and illegal substances distribution, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reinforced its commitment with the recent clampdown on key drug kingpins. In what seems like a major breakthrough, the operations that spanned several states yielded drugs worth billions of naira.

A Glimpse into the Operatives’ Prowess

Central to the operations, Lagos State was put under intense surveillance over the past week. Spearheading these anti-drug activities were the special unit of the NDLEA, whose professionalism and dedication paved the way for these commendable results.

Sunday brought to light the details of the operations, thanks to Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy. He ensured that the pertinent information reached journalists through a well-detailed statement.

Lagos: Epicenter of Major Drug Seizures

The anti-drug unit made a significant arrest last Wednesday, with the apprehension of Ebele Nwankwo, believed to be the linchpin of one of the syndicates. The narrative puts her at House 6, C Close, 3rd Avenue in Festac, Lagos, where she was intercepted just after her visit to a warehouse located at Plot 3432, Sola Akinsola Street, Divine Estate, Amuwo Odofin. Here, she was reported to have loaded eight cartons of tramadol 225mg into an inconspicuous white Honda Pilot SUV.

Babafemi highlighted that a subsequent search of both the residence and the warehouse led to an alarming discovery. A colossal 2,750,000 pills of tramaking, a variant of tramadol 225mg and 250mg, were found stashed in 39 cartons weighing approximately 1,916Kg.

In a quote from the agency’s spokesperson, “The drugs and the SUV were duly seized, while the prime suspect, Nwankwo, is now in our custody.”

But that wasn’t the end. On Friday, another operation by the diligent team led them to the Atlantic Nominee Estate in the Lekki-Ajah vicinity. Here, a blue Toyota Highlander SUV became the focus, as it was packed with 8.49kg of cocaine and 10.3kg of a substance known as Canadian Loud. The individuals responsible for this consignment, Urama Chinemelum, aged 32, and Adelakun Oluade, aged 55, were swiftly apprehended.

Babafemi further expounded on a follow-up operation that led officials to Chinemelum’s domicile at House 7, Road 7, Lagra Estate, Eti-Osa, Lagos. Here, an additional 18 blocks of Loud weighing approximately 18.5kg were uncovered.

Saturday’s Revelations: A Deep Dive into the Underworld

The subsequent day bore witness to another major crackdown. The Special Unit, working on credible intelligence, focused their attention on a cartel deeply entrenched in the import and distribution of ephedrine hydrochloride. This chemical is a critical precursor in the production of the dangerous drug methamphetamine.

Acting on this tip-off, the unit identified and arrested Udeh Ogbonna, 53, and Okonkwo Uzozie, 50. They were nabbed at a bustling bus terminal located in Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos. Their intention was clear: to clandestinely transport 25kg of this illicit substance to the South-East.

The duo didn’t just stop at drugs. A thorough search led to the discovery of $3,000 concealed on Udeh Vincent Ogbonna.

Broader Operations: Four States, One Mission

As the NDLEA broadened its horizon, operatives penetrated four other states – Ogun, Ondo, Edo, and Nasarawa. Their efforts weren’t in vain, as they managed to retrieve an astounding 13,391.8Kg of skunk, a potent variety of cannabis.

In a combined operation with the Nigerian Army, a massive 1,955Kg of this substance was found stashed in 139 jumbo bags. This was in a warehouse believed to belong to the elusive Lekan Jimoh, alias Konmo Konmo, situated in the Ado Odo Ota region of Ogun State.

 The War Against Drugs Continues

As Nigeria grapples with the pervasive issue of drug trafficking and abuse, agencies like the NDLEA stand at the forefront, ensuring that the nation’s youth and its future remain protected. These operations, though significant, are just a chapter in a long, ongoing battle against the drug underworld. They underscore the commitment, resilience, and determination of the NDLEA and other security agencies in ensuring a safer, drug-free Nigeria.