NDLEA Cracks International Drug Syndicate, Seizes Narcotics Worth Over ₦6.4 Billion
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled a highly sophisticated international drug cartel operating across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. The operation led to the arrest of three major kingpins and the seizure of narcotics valued at more than ₦6.4 billion, highlighting the agency’s unwavering fight against drug trafficking.
In a statement on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Abuja, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, provided details of the operation. The crackdown began on August 26 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, when operatives intercepted 76 cartons of textiles bound for Sydney, Australia, which concealed 16 blocks of cocaine weighing 17.9kg. The drugs, hidden alongside local charms reportedly used to evade detection, have an estimated street value exceeding AU$5.3 million (≈₦5.3 billion).
Key Arrests and Seizures
Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, a freight agent linked to the shipment, was the first to be arrested.
Investigations led to Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, the Nigerian coordinator, apprehended on September 3 in Ikeja GRA. Ogunbiyi’s Lekki residence yielded 21 parcels of Canadian Loud cannabis, a pump-action rifle, and cartridges.
Shola Adegoke, caught at a packaging house in Ikeja GRA, was found with 9.6kg of Loud cannabis in a Range Rover SUV. Adegoke had previously served time in the UK for methamphetamine trafficking, while Ogunbiyi completed a 14-year prison sentence in Britain for murder.
The syndicate’s overall leader, Adebisi Ademola Omoyele (alias “Mr Bee”), is reportedly operating from Dubai, coordinating the network’s international activities. NDLEA is intensifying efforts to apprehend Omoyele and other associates.
Nationwide Operations
Beyond Lagos, the NDLEA achieved notable successes across the country:
At Onne Port, Rivers State, a joint operation with Nigeria Customs Service uncovered 160,200 bottles of codeine-based syrup hidden in ceramic sanitary wares, valued at ₦1.1 billion.
Raids in Lagos, Abuja, Kogi, Edo, Kaduna, Anambra, Niger, and Taraba yielded hundreds of kilograms of cannabis, Colorado, and Loud cannabis. Specifically, 625kg of cannabis was seized in Surulere, Lagos, and 18.7 tonnes of skunk were destroyed on two Taraba plantations.
At Lagos Airport, Gabriel Michael, a Milan-based Nigerian, was arrested attempting to smuggle 24,480 tramadol tablets to Italy, with an estimated street value of €19,520 in Milan.
NDLEA Chairman’s Commendation
Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), NDLEA Chairman, commended operatives for their diligence and urged continued vigilance. He reaffirmed the agency’s dual approach of robust enforcement and War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaigns, aimed at reducing Nigeria’s drug trafficking challenges.
This operation represents a major blow to international drug networks and reinforces NDLEA’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria from the menace of illicit substances.
