The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major international drug trafficking syndicate operating between Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates, arresting three kingpins and seizing cocaine worth ₦5.3 billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The breakthrough came after operatives intercepted 76 cartons of textile materials bound for Sydney, Australia, on August 26, 2025. Concealed within were 16 blocks of cocaine weighing 17.9kg, hidden alongside charms allegedly meant to provide spiritual cover. The seizure was valued at over $5.3 million (₦5.3bn) on the streets of Australia.
The first arrest was that of freight agent Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, who attempted to clear the shipment. Subsequent investigations led to the capture of Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi—the cartel’s Nigerian coordinator—at a hotel in Ikeja GRA on September 3. A search of his Lekki residence yielded 21 parcels of Canadian Loud cannabis, a pump-action gun, and cartridges.
Another kingpin, Shola Adegoke, was arrested at the syndicate’s packaging hub in Ikeja GRA. Adegoke, a former UK convict deported in 2024 after serving time for drug trafficking, was found with additional parcels of Loud in a Range Rover SUV parked at the premises. NDLEA identified Adebisi “Mr. Bee” Omoyele, currently based in Dubai, as the cartel’s overall leader.
In a separate operation, NDLEA and Nigeria Customs intercepted a 40ft container at Onne Port, Rivers State, containing 160,200 bottles of codeine syrup concealed within sanitary wares, worth ₦1.1 billion.
The agency also reported multiple raids across the country:
- Abuja: Arrest of a dispatch rider with 3.1kg of Colorado.
- Lagos: Seizure of 625kg of Loud and Colorado in Surulere; a couple arrested with 24.4kg of skunk in Ajegunle.
- Kogi & Edo: Over 286kg of skunk seized, suspects arrested.
- Niger: 342kg of skunk intercepted in a Toyota Hilux.
- Taraba: 7.5 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed, weighing 18,750kg.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), commended officers for their dedication and urged intensified efforts under the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
“These seizures underscore our resolve to cut off drug cartels and protect Nigerians from the dangers of illicit substances. The fight is total, and we will not relent,” Marwa said.