Crimes

NDLEA intercepts N567m UK-bound drug, arrests baron at Lekki mansion

The operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a large consignment of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers as part of a consolidated cargo going to London, United Kingdom at the SAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State.

The illicit drug consignment weighing 30.10 kilograms with a street value of N567 million was detected and seized by NDLEA operatives at the airport on Tuesday, May 16.

This was disclosed via a statement issued on Sunday, May 21, by the NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

Babafemi stated that a series of follow-up operations by the anti-drug agency led to the arrest of a freight agent, Nwobodo Chidiebere, a female suspect, Chioma Lucy Akuta, and the drug lord behind the shipment, Charles Chinedu Ezeh, who was arrested at Sotel Suites, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, on Thursday, May 18.

He stated that Ezeh claimed he is a businessman and deals in articles in Onitsha, Anambra State, adding that investigations revealed the suspect lived with his wife and children in London until December 10, 2022, when he fled to Nigeria after his involvement in a drug-related offence in the UK.

“Though he claimed to have been living in hotels since his return to Nigeria last December, operatives were, however, able to locate his mansion at No. 1 Hawawu Abikan Street, Lekki, on Friday 19th May, where a search was conducted and his travel and property documents among others were recovered,” the NDLEA spokesperson disclosed.

Reacting, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the anti-narcotic officers for their professionalism and speed with which they were able to track and arrest the drug kingpin, Ezeh.

Marwa also charged the NDLEA officers across the country not to rest on their oars.

The Star