NDLEA DISMANTLES LAGOS OPIOID CARTEL, SEIZES N6.7BILLION WORTH OF DRUGS
Read Time:2 Minute, 18 Second
HOTJIST NEWS
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), continuing their nationwide campaign against drug syndicates, have dismantled an opioids cartel in an intelligence-driven operation. The raid led to the arrest of baron Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu and five gang members, with illicit drugs valued at over N6.7 billion seized from a hidden warehouse in a Lagos residential estate.
The NDLEA stated, “The arrest was based on credible intelligence indicating that the drug trafficking organization (DTO) was preparing to distribute over 7.2 million Tramadol 225mg tablets and 526,200 bottles (52.6 million ml) of codeine syrup, which were stored in a residential compound at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri, Isolo, Lagos State, ahead of the Christmas festive season.”
“Officers of the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit executed a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation between Wednesday, 19th, and Thursday, 20th November 2025, targeting members of a major drug syndicate and dismantling their criminal network.
“Two syndicate members, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were tracked and arrested at Apple Junction, Festac, Lagos on Wednesday, 19th November, while transporting 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.
“A follow-up raid on the syndicate’s warehouse at Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, the next day, led to the arrest of leader Onyekachi Nwanagu and other members, including Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.
“In total, authorities recovered 7,272,000 Tramadol 225mg tablets valued at N3.96 billion and 53 million ml of codeine syrup worth N2.762 billion, bringing the combined street value of the seized drugs to N6.722 billion. The contraband was transported from the estate to the NDLEA central exhibit complex in Lagos using eleven trucks.
“Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), commended the professionalism and dedication of the Special Operations Unit and the Strike Force Unit, describing the operation as a significant blow to drug cartels targeting Nigeria’s youth.
“‘This is not merely an arrest; it is a strong and unequivocal statement. The seizure of this massive cache of illicit drugs, which could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity nationwide, is a victory for the Nigerian people and underscores our unwavering commitment to the mandate entrusted to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ Marwa said.”
He stressed that the Agency’s primary focus continues to be on the masterminds and financiers behind the illicit drug trade.
“The era when drug barons believed they were untouchable is over. The arrest of this kingpin and his criminal associates, following a meticulous intelligence-led operation, is a clear warning that the long arm of the law will reach every purveyor of death, regardless of how powerful or well-hidden they think they are,” he added.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0