November 26, (THEWILL) — Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a major opioids cartel in Lagos, arresting a suspected drug baron, Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu, alongside five members of his syndicate in an intelligence-led operation that uncovered illicit drugs worth more than N6.7bn.
The nationwide crackdown, carried out by the Agency’s Special Operations Unit, followed credible intelligence that the syndicate was preparing to distribute over 7.2 million tramadol 225mg pills and more than 526,000 bottles of codeine syrup ahead of the Christmas season.
The stockpile was traced to a clandestine warehouse at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri, Isolo, Lagos.
The operation commenced on Wednesday, November 19, with the arrest of two syndicate members, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, at Apple Junction, Festac, where they were intercepted while transporting 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.
Their arrest led to a follow-up raid on Thursday, November 20, at the group’s warehouse, where Nwanagu and three others — Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip — were taken into custody.
In total, NDLEA operatives seized 7,272,000 tramadol 225mg pills valued at N3.96bn, and 53 million millilitres of codeine syrup worth N2.76bn, bringing the combined street value to N6,722,550,000.
The exhibits were evacuated from the estate in 11 trucks and moved to the Agency’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.
In a statement on Wednesday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said investigations are ongoing.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig-Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), hailed the operation as a decisive blow against drug trafficking, praising the professionalism of the officers involved.
“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 fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity across our nation, represents a victory for the Nigerian people and affirms our unwavering commitment to the mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Marwa reaffirmed the Agency’s resolve to clamp down on drug barons and financiers of illicit trade, stressing that no criminal enterprise is beyond the reach of the law.
“The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. The arrest of this kingpin and his criminal cohorts is a reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death,” he said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
