International Narcotics Control Agency dismantles international cocaine trafficking network, apprehends three prominent figures in Lagos, reveals connections to a Dubai crime lord [Images]
In a significant development, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an international organised criminal group (IOCG) operating between Nigeria, the UK, Brazil, Australia, and the UAE. The bust, which followed a two-week, intelligence-led operation, resulted in the arrest of several key suspects and the recovery of large quantities of illicit substances.
The operation began with the arrest of Olashupo Michael Oladimeji at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, after a large cocaine shipment was intercepted. The cocaine, concealed in textile materials and "local charms", was bound for Sydney, Australia. Investigators identified Adebisi Ademola Omoyele (alias "Mr. Bee"), currently "hibernating" in Dubai, UAE, as the cartel's overall ringleader coordinating offshore operations.
In a series of raids across the country, the NDLEA arrested three leaders of the cartel: Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, and Shola Adegoke. Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, described as the cartel's Nigeria coordinator, was arrested at a hotel in Ikeja GRA. Another leader, Shola Adegoke, was arrested at a house at 13 Reverend Ogunbiyi Street, Ikeja GRA, used by the syndicate to package drugs for export.
In addition to the cocaine seizure, the NDLEA recovered 17 parcels of Loud (9.60kg) from a black Range Rover (RBC 459 EJ) parked in a compound. Meanwhile, in Lagos (Ajegunle), a couple, Andy David (43) and Andy Esther (44), were arrested with 24.4kg of skunk.
The agency also made significant seizures in other parts of the country. In Gwarimpa, Joel Bernard (32) was arrested with 3.1kg of "Colorado" (synthetic cannabis). In Taraba, NDLEA destroyed 18,750kg (18.75 tonnes) of skunk cultivated on 7.5 hectares and arrested farm owners Mako Zmar (55) and Sani Titus (45).
In Edo (Auchi), Yunusa Zakari (23) was nabbed in a follow-up to an earlier skunk seizure in Kakau, *Kaduna State.* Ayouk Nelson (28) was arrested in Anambra with 11,000 tramadol pills. A white Toyota Hilux was intercepted on the Minna-Bida Road with 342kg of skunk, and driver Afolayan Ayodele (54) was arrested.
The NDLEA also conducted sensitisation visits and lectures to various groups across the country, including the Nigerian Correctional Service, ward heads in Kano Municipal Council, Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association in Awgu LGA, the Ohi of Ihima, HRH Alhaji Abdulraheem Ahmed Ogido, and the Okehi LGA Council of Traditional Rulers.
The shipment tracked by NDLEA has an estimated street value of over ₦1.1bn. The bust marks a significant victory in the war against drug trafficking in Nigeria.
