NDLEA's Major Cocaine Bust: Uncovering a Transnational Drug Network

International Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-10-06 06:17:32 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-15 21:10:09

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks, seizing a staggering 20.5 kilograms of cocaine and arresting several key players in a sophisticated operation. This recent success highlights the agency's unwavering commitment to disrupting the illicit drug trade, which continues to threaten Nigeria's social fabric and global connections.

In a meticulously planned operation, NDLEA agents uncovered a clever concealment method where cocaine was hidden in everyday items like stainless cups, body cream, and hair gel containers. The first strike occurred on September 16, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where 174 parcels of cocaine, weighing 13.40kg, were found hidden in cocoa butter body cream containers. This led to the immediate arrest of a cargo agent, who later revealed the involvement of Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, a suspected ringleader.

Ode, posing as a legitimate businessman, was arrested after an extensive surveillance operation. He confessed to purchasing the drugs for a substantial sum of over N150 million. The NDLEA's investigation also uncovered Ode's extensive travel history, including stays in various European countries. In a related operation, the agency targeted another cartel, led by Smith David Korede, resulting in multiple seizures of cocaine-laden shipments destined for the UK. These operations showcase the NDLEA's strategic approach, targeting not only the drugs but also the entire supply chain, from concealment to distribution.

The NDLEA's Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised the team's dedication, emphasizing the agency's determination to dismantle drug cartels at every level. As the war on drugs intensifies, the NDLEA's success in intercepting these shipments and arresting key figures sends a powerful message to drug syndicates, demonstrating the agency's reach and commitment to protecting Nigeria and the world from the devastating effects of the illicit drug trade.

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