By: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled two major drug syndicates responsible for multiple United Kingdom-bound cocaine shipments, following a series of intelligence-led operations that spanned over three weeks across Lagos and several other states.
According to NDLEA authorities, the breakthrough began on September 16, 2025, when operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.4 kilograms, cleverly concealed in cocoa butter body cream containers. A cargo agent was immediately arrested, and further investigation led to the alleged mastermind — Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode — who claimed to be a businessman and estate developer.
The NDLEA confirmed that Ode, who reportedly returned to Nigeria in 2024 after spending over 27 years across Europe, admitted ownership of the consignment, valued at more than ₦150 million.
In subsequent operations, five other suspects linked to similar UK-bound shipments were also apprehended. Among them was Smith David Korede, a Lagos-based furniture maker, who allegedly attempted to export cocaine hidden in hair cream containers and crayfish packages. Two additional suspects, Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa, were arrested with cocaine stashed in stainless cups and cosmetic jars.
Beyond the airport seizures, NDLEA operatives also carried out statewide raids in Edo, Osun, Ogun, and Kaduna States, destroying over 24,000 kilograms of cannabis (skunk) and arresting several traffickers found with tramadol, pregabalin, and synthetic cannabis strains known as “Loud” and “Colorado.”
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the officers for their professionalism and consistency, reaffirming the agency’s determination to dismantle cartels operating at every level of the drug trade.
“Every arrest and seizure means innocent lives saved and communities protected,” Marwa stated, while highlighting the NDLEA’s continued War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which now includes school and community sensitization efforts nationwide.
The NDLEA emphasized that its ongoing operations are focused not only on intercepting drugs but also on crippling the financial and operational structures of drug cartels within and beyond Nigeria.
📩 Stone Reporters News
🌍 stonereportersnews.com | ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNews
Add comment
Comments