NDLEA Nabs Notorious Drug Kingpin, Seizes Large Quantities of Narcotics in Nationwide Crackdown
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its nationwide offensive against drug trafficking, leading to the arrest of a 60-year-old cartel leader, Okpara Chigozie, who had evaded capture since 2019. The agency also intercepted international consignments concealed in food items, raided hotels distributing “party drugs,” and seized significant quantities of narcotics across multiple states. In a statement on Sunday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed that Chigozie was arrested at his hideout on Michael Ojo Street, Isheri, Ojo, Lagos, following the interception of a white Toyota Sienna carrying his illicit cargo on Sunday, July 13, along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway. “Okpara, who has been on the NDLEA wanted list since 2019, was arrested after 7.6kg of cocaine and 900 grams of methamphetamine were discovered hidden in compartments of a space bus,” Babafemi said. The vehicle’s driver, Achebe Nnamdi (51), was also arrested, while a follow-up operation at Chigozie’s residence yielded an additional 1.8kg of cocaine and 1.3kg of methamphetamine. Major Busts at Lagos Airport At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, NDLEA operatives working with aviation security intercepted 7,790 pills of tramadol and rohypnol from a passenger, Omoregie Uyiosa, heading to Italy on Wednesday, July 16. On Thursday, July 17, another attempt to smuggle 1.7kg of cannabis (skunk) disguised in packs of Golden Morn cereal to Pakistan was foiled, leading to the arrest of Chioba Robert Uchenna. Raids and Arrests Across States This sweeping crackdown highlights the NDLEA’s aggressive push to dismantle major drug networks and intercept both domestic and international trafficking routes.