The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested three key members of an international drug cartel involved in smuggling cocaine worth N5.3 billion. The cartel operates across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The arrest followed a major seizure at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State, where NDLEA officers intercepted 76 cartons of textile materials destined for Sydney, Australia. Upon thorough inspection, 16 large blocks of cocaine weighing 17.9 kilograms were discovered concealed within lace materials. The shipment was reportedly adorned with local charms intended to provide spiritual protection against detection.
The three arrested suspects — Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, and Shola Adegoke — are believed to be key operatives in the syndicate, with other members and the cartel leader believed to be operating overseas.
NDLEA’s intelligence-led operations, which spanned two weeks across Lagos, have significantly disrupted this international organized criminal group’s operations. The agency continues its investigation to apprehend additional members of the cartel.
