The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a series of major breakthroughs in Lagos, dismantling a powerful drug cartel, arresting key figures, and seizing large consignments of illicit drugs valued at several billions of naira.
The crackdown began on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, when NDLEA officers at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, intercepted 76 cartons of textile materials bound for Sydney, Australia.
A search revealed 17.9kg of cocaine concealed within the lace materials and local charms designed to provide “spiritual protection” from law enforcement. The shipment, valued at over N5.3 billion, led to the arrest of freight agent Olashupo Michael Oladimeji.
Further investigations uncovered the cartel’s local leaders. Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, described as the group’s Nigerian arrowhead, was arrested at a hotel in Ikeja GRA on September 3, 2025. A search of his home in Lekki yielded 21 parcels of Canadian Loud (10.90kg) and a pump-action gun with cartridges.
Another syndicate leader, Shola Adegoke, was arrested the same day at a cartel safehouse located at 13 Reverend Ogunbiyi Street, Ikeja GRA, where operatives recovered 17 parcels of Loud (9.60kg) from a Range Rover SUV. Investigations revealed that Adegoke had previously been jailed in the UK for drug trafficking before being deported to Nigeria in 2024.
In a separate operation, a Milan-based Nigerian, Gabriel Michael, was arrested on September 5, 2025, at the MMIA departure hall while attempting to board an Air France flight to Italy. He was found in possession of 24,480 tramadol pills concealed in his luggage, which he admitted were intended for sale in Europe.
Beyond cartel-linked operations, NDLEA operatives also dismantled local distribution rings within the state. On September 1, 2025, at 28 Ola Street, Ijesha Surulere, agents arrested Tunde Ayinla (47) and Olawale Omotare (54) while loading four vehicles with illicit drugs. Seized from the premises were 9kg Canadian Loud, 5kg Colorado, and 1,101 compressed blocks of Ghana Loud weighing 611kg — a total haul of 625kg.
Similarly, on September 5, 2025, a couple — Andy David (43) and Andy Esther (44) — was arrested at their home in Ajegunle with 24.4kg of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), commended the Lagos Command and airport operatives for their efforts in crippling the cartel’s network and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining a balanced and aggressive approach in the war against drug abuse and trafficking.
