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Officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested alleged drug kingpin Onyekachi Nwanagu and five associates after uncovering a major opioid storage facility in Isolo, Lagos.
The intelligence-led operation, carried out by the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit between 19 and 20 November, followed reports that the gang was preparing to distribute over 7.2 million tramadol tablets and more than 526,000 bottles of codeine syrup ahead of the festive season.
Agency spokesperson Femi Babafemi said that two suspects, Egbo Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were first arrested on 19 November at Apple Junction, Festac, while transporting 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.
A subsequent raid on the syndicate’s warehouse at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri, on 20 November led to the arrest of Nwanagu and three more members: Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Philip.
Operatives recovered 7,272,000 tramadol 225mg pills worth N3.96 billion and 53 million millilitres of codeine syrup valued at over N2.76 billion, giving a combined street value of approximately N6.72 billion. The seized drugs were removed from the estate in 11 trucks to the NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), praised the officers, describing the operation as a major blow to organised drug networks. He noted that the seizure prevented substances that could fuel addiction and insecurity nationwide.
The NDLEA has pledged to continue targeting drug kingpins and their financiers, intensifying operations across the country ahead of the Christmas season.
