Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have dismantled a significant drug distribution network in Lagos, arresting a suspected drug baron and five associates during an intelligence-driven operation, Okay News reports.
The operation targeted a massive opioid warehouse in the Isolo area of Lagos, following information that the syndicate was preparing to circulate large quantities of illicit drugs ahead of the Christmas season. The agency revealed that over 7.2 million tramadol pills and more than 526,000 bottles of codeine syrup were involved.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said, “Following credible intelligence that the drug trafficking organisation was about to distribute over 7.2 million pills of tramadol 225mg and 526,200 bottles (52.6 million millilitres) of codeine syrup warehoused in a residential compound located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri area of Isolo, Lagos State, ahead of the Christmas festive season, two members of the DTO — Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel — were trailed and arrested at Apple Junction, Festac, on Wednesday, 19th November, while conveying 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.”
A follow-up raid on Thursday, 20th November, at the group’s warehouse led to the arrest of the suspected drug kingpin, Onyekachi Nwanagu, alongside three other associates, including Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Philip.
Babafemi added that the NDLEA recovered 7,272,000 tramadol 225mg pills valued at approximately N3.96 billion and 53 million millilitres of codeine syrup worth over N2.76 billion. The total street value of the seized drugs amounts to N6,722,550,000, transported to the agency’s central exhibit complex in Lagos using eleven trucks.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retired), praised the officers for the operation, describing it as a major disruption to criminal networks that could have fueled addiction and insecurity nationwide.
The agency has intensified nationwide operations, particularly in the lead-up to the Christmas festive season, to curtail the distribution of illicit substances.
