NDLEA Lagos drug bust arrests baron Onyekachi Nwanagu and associates, seizing opioids worth N6.7 billion in a major intelligence-led operation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major opioids cartel in Lagos, arresting baron Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu and five members of his gang in an intelligence-led operation, the agency confirmed on Wednesday.

Also read: NCS Confirms 13 Senior Appointments, Grants 10 Special Promotions

Illicit drugs worth over N6.7 billion were recovered from a secret warehouse in a residential estate in Isolo, Lagos.

NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said officers acted on credible intelligence that the syndicate was preparing to distribute more than 7.2 million tramadol 225mg pills and 526,200 bottles of codeine syrup ahead of the Christmas festive season.

Two members of the cartel, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were apprehended on 19 November at Apple Junction, Festac, while transporting 300 cartons of opioids.

A follow-up raid on 20 November at Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, led to the arrest of Nwanagu and his associates, including Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.

In total, 7,272,000 tramadol pills valued at N3.96 billion and 53 million millilitres of codeine syrup worth N2.76 billion were seized.

The drugs were moved to NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos using eleven trucks.

NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), commended the Special Operations and Strike Force units for their professionalism.

He described the seizure as a significant blow to drug cartels exploiting Nigeria’s youth.

“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 fuelled addiction, crime, and insecurity, represents a victory for the Nigerian people,” Marwa said.

He emphasised that the agency remains focused on targeting kingpins and financiers of the drug trade, warning that those attempting to operate in secrecy will eventually face justice.

Also read: Nigerian Army Rescues Kidnapped Victim, Repels Bandits

“The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. This 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,” Marwa added.

NDLEA Busts Lagos Drug Cartel, Seizes N6.7bn Opioids

NDLEA Busts Lagos Drug Cartel, Seizes N6.7bn Opioids