NDLEA Arrests Fleeing Auto Spare Parts Dealer Over 77.50kg Cocaine, Phenacetin Seizure

NDLEA Arrests Fleeing Auto Spare Parts Dealer Over 77.50kg Cocaine, Phenacetin Seizure

....Intercepts Cannabis Candies Meant for Lagos Kiddies’ Shop, Nabs Suspects, Recovers Large Consignments of Opioids in Multiple States

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended an automobile spare parts dealer, Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, following a failed attempt to export two kilograms of cocaine hidden in vehicle propellers to Angola.

Ubodoeze had been on the run for nearly three weeks after NDLEA operatives intercepted the illicit consignment at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos, on February 21, 2025. A swift collaboration with Angolan authorities led to the arrest of the supposed recipient in Angola, ultimately exposing Ubodoeze as the sender.

On March 6, 2025, NDLEA officers tracked Ubodoeze to his residence in the Ago Palace Way area of Isolo, Lagos. He was caught attempting to flee in a KIA SUV. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 75.50kg of phenacetin, a cocaine-cutting agent, disguised as semolina. Further searches in his home uncovered a digital scale used for weighing illicit drugs. In his confession, Ubodoeze admitted to drug trafficking alongside his auto spare parts business at Ladipo Market, Mushin, Lagos.

Interception of Cannabis Candies for Kiddies’ Shop

At the import shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, NDLEA operatives intercepted a shipment of cannabis-laced candies imported from the United Kingdom. The consignment, meant for sale at a Kiddies Mart on 46 Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos, was seized on February 27 after arriving as a consolidated cargo via Allied Airways.

Following forensic analysis confirming the presence of strong cannabis strains, NDLEA officers arrested the shipment's recipient, Adedamola Taylor, on March 4. Taylor claimed the consignment was sent by his UK-based brother, Babatunde Alabi, for delivery to Musurat Lawal, who manages the Surulere Kiddies’ shop owned by Alabi. A follow-up operation led to Musurat’s arrest.

Other Major Drug Seizures Across the Country

• Lagos: On March 7, NDLEA intercepted a commercial truck at Shibiri, Ojo, Lagos, arresting two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene. A search uncovered 128kg of Ghanaian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, hidden in the truck’s underbelly.
• Mushin, Lagos: Three suspects—Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe—were arrested on March 7 with 301,600 pills of tramadol and other opioids.
• Kano: On March 6, NDLEA arrested 65-year-old Yahaya Haruna with 19.2kg of skunk along Gadar Tamburawa Road, while 60-year-old Musa Bello (a.k.a Jajere) was caught with 212 bottles of codeine-based syrup in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
• Abia: On March 4, NDLEA raided a residence and warehouse at 19 Ubani Street, Aba, recovering 442,594 pills of tramadol, other opioids, and 1,274 bottles of codeine syrup from 37-year-old Blessing Okoronkwo.
• Benue: On March 5, NDLEA intercepted a vehicle at Ugbema Junction, Katsina-Ala, arresting Nwaeze Onyeabor, 47, and Tombo Thomas, 23, with 50,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5.
• Osun: On March 4, a raid in Modakeke, Ife East LGA, led to the arrest of Asimiyu Muibi, 50, with 162kg of skunk, while another 95kg was recovered from a Toyota Camry in Ede.
• Edo: On March 5, NDLEA operatives raided the Amahor community forest in Igueben, arresting Etim Esien Stephen, 55. Officers destroyed 9,514.625kg of skunk cultivated on 3.8 hectares of cannabis farmland.

WADA Sensitization Efforts

Beyond enforcement, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programs, engaging schools, worship centers, workplaces, and communities across the country. Awareness lectures were held at Model High School, Amaechi, Enugu; Bengy Secondary School, Agege, Lagos; Sunshine Secondary School, Nku Udo Eno, Akwa Ibom; and Government Day Secondary School, Dong, Adamawa.

Commending the operatives for their relentless efforts, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), lauded their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and demand reduction, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to eradicating illicit drug activities across Nigeria.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja