Drug Enforcement Agency Disrupts International Cocaine Syndicate, Apprehends Three Key Figures in Lagos, Reveals Mastermind Overseas [Images]
In a significant operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled an international organised criminal group (IOCG) that had been operating between Nigeria, the UK, Brazil, Australia, and the UAE. The cartel, which was responsible for trafficking drugs such as cocaine, skunk, synthetic cannabis, and other illicit substances, has seen several key members arrested across Nigeria.
The bust took place after officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, intercepted a large cocaine shipment. As a result, Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, described as the cartel's Nigeria coordinator, was arrested on Wednesday, September 3. Shola Adegoke was apprehended during a raid at a house at 13 Reverend Ogunbiyi Street, Ikeja GRA.
Andy David (43) and Andy Esther (44) were arrested in Lagos with 24.4kg of skunk. A follow-up search at Ogunbiyi's Lekki residence yielded 21 parcels of Canadian Loud (10.90kg) and a double-barrel pump-action gun with cartridges. Furthermore, 17 parcels of Loud (9.60kg) were recovered from a black Range Rover parked in the compound.
The arrest of three leaders of the cartel was made after the interception. Investigators identified Adebisi Ademola Omoyele (alias "Mr. Bee") as the cartel's overall ringleader coordinating offshore operations. He is currently "hibernating" in Dubai, UAE. Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, a freight agent, was identified as a syndicate member and was arrested immediately.
Elsewhere in the country, Yunusa Zakari (23) was nabbed in Edo in a follow-up to an earlier skunk seizure in Kaduna State. A white Toyota Hilux was intercepted on the Minna-Bida Road with 30 bags of skunk (342kg). Driver Afolayan Ayodele (54) was arrested.
In another incident, Joel Bernard (32) was apprehended in Gwarimpa with 3.1kg of "Colorado" (synthetic cannabis). Meanwhile, NDLEA destroyed 18,750kg of skunk cultivated on 7.5 hectares in Taraba. Farm owners Mako Zmar (55) and Sani Titus (45) were arrested.
The NDLEA's War Against Drug Abuse outreach visited various locations including the Nigerian Correctional Service in Lafia, ward heads in Kano Municipal Council, the Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association in Awgu LGA, the Ohi of Ihima, and the Okehi LGA Council of Traditional Rulers.
In Kogi, Musa Isah (45) was arrested with 53.400kg of skunk hidden in a Toyota Avensis. Tunde Ayinla (47) and Olawale Omotare (54) were arrested in Lagos while loading four distribution vehicles with 9kg Canadian Loud, 5kg Colorado, and 1,101 compressed blocks of Ghana Loud.
The cocaine seized in this operation was concealed in textile materials and "local charms" and was en route to Sydney, Australia, highlighting the global reach of this criminal network. The shipment intercepted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport has an estimated street value of over ₦1.1bn.
The NDLEA's tireless efforts in dismantling drug cartels and apprehending key suspects continue to demonstrate their commitment to ridding Nigeria of the scourge of drug trafficking and abuse.
