NDLEA Dismantles Major Cocaine Cartels, Arrests Five Suspects
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a massive blow to drug cartels operating in Nigeria and arrested five suspects in Lagos.
In a series of operations, the agency arrested five suspects, including a kingpin, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, and seized large quantities of cocaine, cannabis, and other illicit substances.
The operations, which lasted for three weeks in Lagos, were intelligence-led and targeted at dismantling major drug cartels. The NDLEA seized 13.40 kg of cocaine concealed in cocoa butter body cream containers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and arrested a cargo agent. Further investigations led to the arrest of Ode, who claimed ownership of the seized cocaine and revealed that he purchased the drugs for over ₦150 million.
Other suspects arrested include Smith David Korede, Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo, and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa, who were found with cocaine and other illicit substances. The NDLEA also seized 6.3 kg of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, concealed in bed sheets and hibiscus flowers from Thailand.
The agency’s chairman has vowed to continue targeting and dismantling identified drug cartels at every level of their operations. The NDLEA’s efforts have yielded significant results, with large quantities of tramadol, skunk, codeine syrup, and nitrous oxide seized from suspects in multiple states across the country.
