The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has smashed a major international drug cartel operating between Nigeria, the UK, Brazil, Australia, and the UAE. In a series of intelligence-led operations in Lagos, the agency arrested three kingpins and intercepted cocaine worth over N5.3 billion, hidden in textile materials and charms at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the breakthrough began on August 26, 2025, when NDLEA officers intercepted 76 cartons of textiles bound for Sydney, Australia. A search uncovered 17.9kg of cocaine concealed in lace fabrics. The first arrest, freight agent Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, led investigators to other cartel leaders: Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi and Shola Adegoke, both previously convicted abroad for serious crimes.
In addition to the Lagos raids, NDLEA operatives intercepted a 40ft container of codeine syrup valued at N1.1bn in Port Harcourt. The drugs, disguised as ceramic sanitary wares, were uncovered during a joint operation with Customs and security agencies. Mediaplusng.com reports that more arrests were made nationwide, including in Abuja, Anambra, Kogi, Edo, Taraba, and Niger states, with large quantities of cannabis, skunk, and tramadol seized.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), commended the officers involved and urged them to intensify the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. He noted that beyond arrests and seizures, sensitization programs were ongoing in schools, religious centers, workplaces, and traditional institutions across the country.
With this latest breakthrough, the NDLEA has again reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling drug syndicates and protecting Nigeria from the threats of narcotics trafficking.
