NDLEA nabs auto spare parts dealer with cocaine, seizes imported drugs

The operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an automobile spare parts dealer, Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, over an attempt to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola.

The spare parts dealer was arrested barely three weeks after the NDLEA launched a manhunt for him.

The NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Babafemi noted that after the seizure of the cocaine consignment at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo area of Lagos on February 21, swift contacts were made with Angolan authorities who in turn arrested the supposed recipient of the illicit drug in Angola, after which the identity of the sender was unraveled.

Babafemi said the NDLEA operatives, on Thursday, March 6, tracked Ubodoeze to his house in Ago palace way area of Isolo, Lagos State, where he was caught in a KIA Sport Utility Vehicle trying to escape.

He said a search of the suspect’s vehicle led to the recovery of a large quantity of phenacetin, a cutting agent for cocaine weighing 75.50 kilograms packaged and branded as semolina, while a digital scale used in weighing illicit drugs was recovered from his house.

The NDLEA spokesman stated: “In his statement, Ubodoeze admitted dealing in cocaine while selling motor spare parts at Ladipo market, Mushin area of Lagos.

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“He stated that the supposed recipient of the illicit consignment in Angola alerted him the moment he was arrested in Angola hence his bid to evacuate his house and flee from the area shortly before NDLEA officers swooped on him.”

Babafemi added that the NDLEA operatives at the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in the Ikeja area of Lagos intercepted a cargo of cannabis candies imported from the United Kingdom and meant for sale at a Kiddies Mart in the Surulere area of the state.

He disclosed that the consignment was seized on February 27 upon its arrival as a consolidated cargo on Allied Airways.

According to him, preliminary field test and subsequent forensic analysis of the candies established that the substance was laced with a strong strain of cannabis.

Babafemi noted: “As a result, the recipient of the shipment, Adedamola Taylor, was arrested on Tuesday 4th March after initial arrest of a freight agent.

“In his statement, Adedamola claimed the consignment was sent to him by his UK-based brother Babatunde Alabi, to deliver to one Musurat Lawal, who operates the Kiddies shop owned by Alabi in Surulere area of Lagos. A follow up operation at the shop led to the arrest of Musurat.”

The Star