NDLEA Arrests Auto Spare Parts Dealer Over 77.5kg Cocaine

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, an auto spare parts dealer, in connection with a cocaine export attempt. The arrest comes three weeks after a manhunt was launched for Ubodoeze, following his attempt to smuggle two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola.

The cocaine consignment was seized on February 21, 2025, at a logistics company located in the Aspanda Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos. After Angolan authorities arrested the intended recipient of the drugs, the identity of the sender was traced back to Ubodoeze.

On March 6, NDLEA operatives tracked Ubodoeze to his residence in the Ago Palace Way area of Isolo, Lagos, where he attempted to flee in a KIA Sport Utility Vehicle. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 75.5 kilograms of phenacetin, a cutting agent for cocaine, which was disguised as semolina. Additionally, a digital scale used for weighing illicit drugs was found at his house.

Ubodoeze confessed to his involvement in cocaine trafficking while running his auto parts business at the Ladipo Market in Mushin, Lagos. He revealed that upon hearing of the arrest of the drug recipient in Angola, he attempted to flee and evacuate his house before being captured by NDLEA officers.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, intercepted a shipment of cannabis-infused candies from the United Kingdom intended for sale at a Kiddies Mart in Surulere, Lagos. The cargo arrived on February 27, 2025, via Allied Airways. Forensic tests confirmed that the candies were laced with a potent strain of cannabis. The recipient of the shipment, Adedamola Taylor, was arrested on March 4 after an initial arrest of a freight agent.

In his statement, Adedamola claimed the shipment was sent by his UK-based brother, Babatunde Alabi, for delivery to Musurat Lawal, who operated the Kiddies Mart. A subsequent operation at the shop led to Musurat’s arrest.

On March 7, NDLEA operatives also arrested two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene, in Shibiri, Ojo, Lagos, when their truck was intercepted. The vehicle was found to contain 248 compressed blocks of Ghanaian Loud cannabis, weighing 128 kilograms, hidden in the underbelly of the truck.

In other significant arrests, NDLEA operatives in Lagos arrested three suspects—Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe—on March 7 for trafficking 301,600 pills of tramadol and other opioids.

In Kano, Yahaya Haruna, 65, was apprehended with 19.2 kilograms of skunk on March 6, while 60-year-old Musa Bello, also known as Jajere, was arrested with 212 bottles of codeine-based syrup. In Abia State, a major drug bust took place on March 4, when NDLEA operatives raided the house of 37-year-old Blessing Okoronkwo and seized 442,594 pills of tramadol and opioids, along with 1,274 bottles of codeine syrup.

In Benue State, two suspects, Nwaeze Onyeabor, 47, and Tombo Thomas, 23, were arrested on March 5 at Ugbema junction, Katsina Ala, with 50,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5. In Osun State, on March 4, Asimiyu Muibi, 50, was arrested with 162 kilograms of skunk, and another 95 kilograms was seized from a Toyota Camry in Ede the same day.

In Edo State, NDLEA officers destroyed 9,514.625 kilograms of skunk on March 5 after raiding a cannabis farm in the Amahor community of Igueben. The operation also led to the arrest of Etim Esien Stephen, 55, involved in the illegal cultivation.

Additionally, the NDLEA continued its “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitization activities in schools, churches, workplaces, and communities across the country, including Model High School in Amaechi, Enugu, and Sunshine Secondary School in Nku Udo Eno, Akwa Ibom.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, commended the agency’s operatives for their successful operations and efforts in reducing both drug supply and demand, recognizing their significant contributions to tackling the country’s drug abuse challenges.