The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conducted a successful operation in parts of Lagos State, resulting in the arrest of members from three major illicit drug syndicates. The operation led to the apprehension of a female leader and four other key figures, along with the seizure of a substantial quantity of Cocaine, Opioids, and Loud from their hiding places.
According to a statement from Mr. Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy for the NDLEA, one of the syndicate heads, Faith Ebele Nwankwo, was captured on August 9th at her residence in Lagos. She had just returned from a warehouse where she loaded tramadol into an SUV. The subsequent search of her residence and the warehouse uncovered a significant quantity of tramadol pills, leading to her arrest.
In another operation focused on a transnational syndicate involved in trafficking Cocaine and Canadian Loud, operatives from the NDLEA Special Unit tracked the syndicate to an estate in Lagos. They intercepted a vehicle loaded with drugs intended for distribution. This operation resulted in the arrest of Urama Chinemelum Precious and Adelakun Ilelabayo Oluade, and the seizure of cocaine and Canadian Loud.
A subsequent operation targeting a syndicate engaged in the importation and diversion of ephedrine hydrochloride, a precursor chemical for methamphetamine production, led to the arrest of Udeh Vincent Ogbonna and Okonkwo Ifeanyi Uzozie. These individuals were apprehended while attempting to send the substance to the South East, and a search revealed a significant amount of money on one of them.
Operatives extended their efforts across Ogun, Ondo, Edo, and Nasarawa states, resulting in the recovery of a substantial amount of skunk. The operation also led to the arrest of several individuals involved in the cultivation and distribution of cannabis sativa.
Brig-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), the Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, commended the Special Unit’s proactive and effective efforts in dismantling these drug syndicates and arresting their leaders. He praised the diligence and professionalism of NDLEA teams in various commands and urged them to remain vigilant and dedicated.
