In a major victory against drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an opioid cartel following an intelligence-led operation in Lagos.
The operation resulted in the arrest of cartel baron Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu and five gang members.
NDLEA operatives recovered illicit substances valued at over N6.7 billion from the group’s secret warehouse located within a residential estate.
NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday, November 26, sent to Persecondnews that the agency acted on credible intelligence indicating that the drug trafficking organization was preparing to distribute over 7.2 million pills of Tramadol 225mg and 526,200 bottles of codeine syrup.
According to Babafemi, officers of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA led a well-coordinated operation between Wednesday, November 19, and Thursday, November 20, to round up members of the syndicate and dismantle their criminal network.
They were arrested at a residential compound located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri, Isolo, Lagos State.
The statement reads: “Two members of the DTO: Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel were trailed and arrested at Apple Junction, Festac area of Lagos on Wednesday, November 19 while conveying 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.
“A follow up operation to the syndicate’s warehouse at Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor the following day Thursday, November 20 led to the arrest of Onyekachi Nwanagu and other members of his syndicate including: Nwoye Sunday Ali; Nnacho Ogochukwu; and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.
“In all, a total of 7,272,000 pills of tramadol 225mg worth N3,960,000,000 and 53 million mills of codeine syrup valued at over N2,762,550,000, bringing the combined value of the seized drugs to N6,722,550,000.00 only in street value were recovered and moved out of the estate in eleven trucks to NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.”
The NDLEA Chairman/CEO, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, while commending the Commander and operatives of the Special Operations Unit as well as those of the Strike Force Unit involved in the dismantling of the syndicate, praised the officers’ professionalism and dedication, describing the breakthrough as a major blow to the cartels preying on Nigeria’s youth.
He said: “This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement. The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity across our nation, represents a victory for the Nigerian people and a confirmation of our unwavering commitment to the mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Marwa stressed that the agency’s focus remains squarely on the kingpins and financiers of the illicit drug trade.
“The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. The arrest of this drug baron and his criminal cohorts, following an intensive intelligence operation, serves as a stark reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death, no matter how high or deeply concealed they think they are,” he said.
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