The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disrupted a major drug trafficking operation and arrested several members of a syndicate allegedly run by a Nigerian couple residing in India.
The couple, Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade and Rashidat Ayinke Owoalade, are now wanted by the NDLEA following the arrest of four individuals connected to the cartel in Lagos. Authorities seized a sports utility vehicle, sealed two properties believed to belong to the couple, and recovered a significant amount of cocaine during the operation.
NDLEA Makes Multiple Drug Busts Across Nigeria
In a separate operation, NDLEA agents intercepted parcels containing cocaine headed for China and amphetamine bound for the United Kingdom at a Lagos courier firm. The agency also thwarted attempts to export cannabis to Dubai and the United Kingdom.
NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, announced the arrests and seizures in a statement released on Sunday, May 19th, 2024.
“Efforts to dismantle this network in Nigeria paid off after five weeks of surveillance and follow up operations,” Babafemi stated.
Nationwide Drug Sweeps Target Traffickers
The NDLEA reported a busy week of anti-drug operations across Nigeria. In addition to the Lagos bust, agents seized large quantities of cannabis, opioids, and explosive materials in separate operations throughout the country.
Here’s a detailed look at some of the most significant arrests and seizures:
- Lagos: NDLEA operatives arrested four members of a drug syndicate and recovered cocaine, a SUV, and sealed two properties linked to the alleged kingpin, Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade, who is now a wanted man.
- Benue State: Agents intercepted 75,000 pills of opioids during a routine traffic stop.
- Imo State: A large gas cylinder being used to conceal 3.85 kilograms of cannabis was discovered by NDLEA officers. Two suspects were apprehended.
- Borno State: In a separate operation, Borno agents seized 2 kilograms of cannabis and diazepam from a suspect.
- Yobe State: NDLEA operatives acting on a tip-off, discovered a large consignment of drugs hidden in a petrol tanker. The haul included 91.1 kilograms of opioids and 13 kilograms of cannabis.Â
- Katsina State: A raid by NDLEA agents resulted in the seizure of 1,000 ampoules of Pentazocine injection.
- Edo State: Officers raided a house in Edo State and recovered 105 kilograms of cannabis.Â
- Kwara State: NDLEA apprehended two suspects in possession of a total of 83 kilograms of cannabis and tramadol.
- Niger State: In a major operation, NDLEA agents seized 2,025 pieces of improvised explosive device materials and arrested four suspects.
The NDLEA is continuing its investigations into the activities of the wanted couple and vowed to dismantle drug trafficking operations throughout Nigeria. The agency is urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade and Rashidat Ayinke Owoalade to come forward.
Source: Punch
