The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has dismantled a powerful international cartel operating across Nigeria the United Kingdom Brazil Australia and the United Arab Emirates. The operation led to the arrest of three major kingpins and recovery of narcotics worth over ₦6.4 billion.
Cartel Operations Uncovered
The crackdown began on August 26 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos where NDLEA officers intercepted 76 cartons of textile materials bound for Sydney Australia. Hidden inside were 16 blocks of cocaine weighing 17.9 kilograms alongside local charms.
Arrests and Recoveries
A freight agent identified as Olashupo Michael Oladimeji was first arrested in connection to the shipment. Further investigations led to the arrest of syndicate coordinator Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi and another senior member Shola Adegoke. From Ogunbiyi’s residence officers recovered parcels of Canadian Loud cannabis a pump action rifle and cartridges. Adegoke was caught in Ikeja GRA where 9.6 kilograms of Loud was seized from a Range Rover SUV.
Links to International Crime
The NDLEA revealed that both Ogunbiyi and Adegoke had criminal histories in the United Kingdom. Ogunbiyi previously served a 14 year sentence for murder while Adegoke was jailed for methamphetamine trafficking. The cartel’s overall leader identified as Adebisi Ademola Omoyele also known as Mr Bee is reportedly based in Dubai where he manages overseas operations.
Wider Seizures Across Nigeria
The agency also intercepted shipments in Rivers State where a joint NDLEA and Customs operation uncovered over 160000 bottles of codeine syrup hidden in sanitary wares with an estimated street value of ₦1.1 billion. Additional raids across Lagos Abuja Kogi Edo Kaduna Anambra Niger and Taraba led to massive recoveries including 625 kilograms of cannabis in Lagos and 18.7 tonnes of skunk destroyed on plantations in Taraba.
Global Connections and Crackdowns
The Nigerian operation comes as Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities detained 22 suspects including top police officials linked to another cartel led by Bosnia born Edin Gačanin known as the European Escobar. His network has been tied to global cocaine trafficking and money laundering operations worth billions.
US Pledges More Action
The United States government has also announced that more operations targeting global cartels are underway. Officials stressed that international cooperation between NDLEA Europol FBI and DEA remains vital in dismantling networks that threaten public health and security.
NDLEA Response
NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Buba Marwa praised the operatives involved and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its balanced strategy of strict enforcement and advocacy through the War Against Drug Abuse campaign.
