NDLEA Takes Down 3 Major Drug Syndicates in Lagos: Drug Baroness and 4 Kingpins Apprehend
Recovers 2.7 million pills of Tramadol, 62.29kg Cocaine, Ephedrine, Loud; seizes over 13tons of skunk in 4 state
In a major triumph against drug-related crime, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully dismantled three major illicit drug syndicates operating in Lagos state
The specialized unit within NDLEA executed a series of intelligence-led operations across various areas in Lagos, leading to the arrest of a notorious female drug baroness and four other key figures involved in the illegal drug trade. The operation also resulted in the recovery of a staggering amount of narcotics, including cocaine, opioids, and lou
Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, while giving updates to Newsmen says one of the syndicates was headed by Faith Ebele Nwankwo, a woman of significant influence in the criminal network
On August 9th, she was apprehended at her residence in the Festac area of Lagos. Authorities intercepted her shortly after she returned from a warehouse in Amuwo Odofin, where she had loaded a substantial quantity of tramadol 225mg into an unmarked white Honda Pilot SU
A comprehensive search of both her residence and the warehouse unveiled a staggering cache of illicit substances. Among the discoveries were an astounding Two Million Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand (2,750,000) pills of tramadol, carefully packed in 39 cartons, amounting to a total weight of 1,916 kilograms. The seized drugs, along with the unmarked SUV, were secured as evidence while Nwankwo was placed under arrest
In another operation targeting a transnational syndicate with involvement in cocaine and Canadian loud distribution, NDLEA operatives, on August 4th, tracked down the criminal network to the Atlantic Nominee Estate in Lekki-Ajah
Their efforts culminated in the discovery of an astonishing 8.49kg of cocaine and 10.3kg of Canadian loud hidden within a blue Toyota Highlander SUV. The vehicle was intended for distribution by Urama Chinemelum Precious, 32, and Adelakun Ilelabayo Oluade, 55. A subsequent operation conducted at the residence of Chinemelum yielded an additional 18.5kg of lou
In yet another operation, NDLEA operatives thwarted a syndicate involved in the importation, distribution, and diversion of ephedrine hydrochloride, a precursor chemical crucial for methamphetamine production. Two members of this cartel, Udeh Vincent Ogbonna, 53, and Okonkwo Ifeanyi Uzozie, 50, were apprehended while attempting to send the concealed substance to the South East from a commercial bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos. A search resulted in the discovery of Three Thousand ($3,000) US Dollars on Udeh Vincent Ogbonn
These operations extended beyond Lagos, with NDLEA operatives collaborating with the Nigerian Army to recover over 13,391.8 kilograms of skunk across Ogun, Ondo, Edo, and Nasarawa states. The most notable haul, involving over 1,955kgs of skunk stored in 139 jumbo bags, was seized from a notorious drug dealer’s warehouse in Ado Odo Ota, Ogun state. Further apprehensions were made and substantial quantities of illicit substances were recovered in various other location
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, praised the diligent efforts of the Special Unit and various commands involved in these successful operations
He commended their proactive approach, professionalism, and dedication in dismantling the drug syndicates. Gen. Marwa called on law enforcement officers nationwide to remain vigilant, underscoring the importance of continued focus in the battle against drug-related crimes
