By HeapNews
In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an automobile spare parts dealer, Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, three weeks after launching a manhunt for him over an attempt to smuggle two kilograms of cocaine to Angola.
Ubodoeze was nabbed on March 6 in the Ago Palace Way area of Isolo, Lagos, while attempting to flee in a KIA SUV. A search of his vehicle led to the recovery of 75.50 kilograms of phenacetin, a cutting agent for cocaine, disguised as semolina. NDLEA also found a digital scale in his house.
The arrest followed a seizure made on February 21 at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, where cocaine was hidden inside vehicle propellers. Swift coordination with Angolan authorities led to the arrest of the intended recipient, who then exposed Ubodoeze.
“I knew the game was over when my contact in Angola was arrested. I was trying to escape before NDLEA officers caught me,” Ubodoeze confessed.
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Drug-Laced Candies and Tramadol Hauls
In another operation, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, intercepted a shipment of cannabis-laced candies imported from the United Kingdom. The consignment, seized on February 27, was destined for sale at a Kiddies Mart in Surulere.
The recipient, Adedamola Taylor, was arrested on March 4, claiming that his UK-based brother, Babatunde Alabi, had sent the package for delivery to Musurat Lawal, who manages the store. A follow-up operation led to Lawal’s arrest.
Meanwhile, at Shibiri, Ojo, NDLEA intercepted a truck carrying 128 kilograms of “Ghanaian Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, concealed in the underbelly of the vehicle. Two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene, were arrested.
In Mushin, operatives seized 301,600 tramadol pills and opioids, arresting three suspects: Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe.
Nationwide Raids Yield Massive Drug Seizures
In Kano, a 65-year-old suspect, Yahaya Haruna, was caught with 19.2 kg of skunk, while 60-year-old Musa Bello, also known as “Jajere,” was found with 212 bottles of codeine syrup.
A massive haul of 442,594 tramadol pills and 1,274 bottles of codeine syrup was recovered from a warehouse in Aba, Abia State, leading to the arrest of 37-year-old Blessing Okoronkwo.
In Benue, operatives intercepted 50,000 tramadol and exol-5 pills from two suspects at Ugbema Junction, while in Osun, officers seized 162kg of skunk from Asimiyu Muibi and an additional 95kg from a Toyota Camry in Ede.
In Edo, NDLEA destroyed a massive 3.8-hectare cannabis farm in Amahor Community, arresting a 55-year-old suspect, Etim Esien Stephen.
NDLEA Boss Commends Officers
While praising the operatives, NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa said their actions reinforce the agency’s two-pronged strategy of supply and demand reduction.
“Our officers are demonstrating an unwavering commitment to dismantling drug networks and protecting communities from the dangers of illicit substances,” Marwa stated.
NDLEA has also continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization efforts in schools, workplaces, and religious centers across the country, educating young Nigerians on the dangers of drug use.