Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a Lagos-based automobile spare parts dealer, Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, for attempting to smuggle two kilograms of cocaine to Angola. The illicit substance was concealed in vehicle propellers and intercepted at a logistics company in the Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos.
The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Sunday.
“Barely three weeks after launching a manhunt for him, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested automobile spare parts dealer Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze over a recent attempt to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola,” Babafemi stated.
Following the initial seizure on February 21, authorities in Angola were notified, leading to the arrest of the intended recipient. This development helped uncover Ubodoeze’s identity, prompting NDLEA operatives to track him down. He was eventually arrested on March 6 at his residence 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 discovery of 75.50 kilograms of phenacetin, a substance used for cutting cocaine, falsely packaged as semolina. A digital scale commonly used for weighing drugs was also seized from his residence.
Ubodoeze reportedly confessed to his involvement in the drug trade, admitting that he had been alerted by the Angolan recipient following their arrest.
The NDLEA’s operations extended beyond Lagos, leading to multiple arrests and seizures across the country.
In Lagos, on March 7, two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene, were apprehended after NDLEA intercepted a truck in Ojo transporting 248 compressed blocks of Ghanaian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 128 kilograms. Meanwhile, three other suspects; Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe were arrested in Mushin with 301,600 pills of tramadol and other opioids.
In Kano on March 6, NDLEA arrested 65-year-old Yahaya Haruna with 19.2 kilograms of skunk, while another suspect, Musa Bello, 60, was caught with 212 bottles of codeine-based syrup.
Similarly in Aba, a raid was conducted on March 4th on the residence and warehouse of Blessing Okoronkwo in Aba led to the seizure of 442,594 tramadol pills and other opioids, along with 1,274 bottles of codeine syrup.
On March 5 in Benue, operatives intercepted a vehicle at Ugbema Junction, Katsina Ala, recovering 50,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 from suspects Nwaeze Onyeabor, 47, and Tombo Thomas, 23.
Similarly in Osun state, a March 4 operation in Modakeke led to the arrest of 50-year-old Asimiyu Muibi with 162 kilograms of skunk. An additional 95 kilograms were found in a Toyota Camry during a raid in Ede.
At Edo State, a cannabis farm spanning 3.8 hectares was raided in Igueben on March 5, leading to the arrest of 55-year-old Etim Esien Stephen. The operatives destroyed 9,514.625 kilograms of skunk on the farm.
In another high-profile case, NDLEA operatives intercepted a shipment of cannabis-infused candies imported from the United Kingdom. The consignment, intended for sale at a children’s store, Kiddies Mart, in Surulere, Lagos, was seized upon arrival on February 27.
The recipient, Adedamola Taylor, was arrested and claimed the package was sent by his UK-based brother, Babatunde Alabi. Further investigation led to the arrest of Musurat Lawal, the operator of Kiddies Mart.
The NDLEA remains committed to combating drug trafficking across Nigeria, with Babafemi reaffirming that operations will continue to dismantle illegal drug networks.