The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major international drug trafficking syndicate operating across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The operation, described as one of the agency’s most significant in recent years, spanned two weeks and involved coordinated raids in Lagos and other parts of the country.
The crackdown followed the interception of a Sydney-bound cocaine shipment valued at over ₦5.3 billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the operation began on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, when operatives at the airport’s export shed uncovered 76 cartons of textile materials intended for export to Australia.
Upon inspection, officers discovered 16 large blocks of cocaine weighing 17.9 kilograms concealed within lace fabrics. The drugs were also wrapped with local charms believed to offer “spiritual protection” against law enforcement detection.
The first arrest was that of freight agent Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, who was caught attempting to process the illegal shipment. His confession provided crucial intelligence that led investigators to the heart of the cartel’s network.
The investigation soon uncovered the identity of Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, the syndicate’s primary coordinator in Nigeria. He was arrested on September 3 at a hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos. A subsequent search of his residence in Lekki yielded 21 parcels of Canadian Loud cannabis (10.9kg) and a pump-action rifle with live cartridges.
Another high-ranking member, Shola Adegoke, was arrested during a raid at the group’s packaging center located at 13 Reverend Ogunbiyi Street, Ikeja GRA. The operation led to the seizure of 17 parcels of Loud (9.6kg) from the premises and vehicles on-site, including a Range Rover SUV (RBC 459 EJ).
Investigations revealed both Ogunbiyi and Adegoke were repeat offenders. Adegoke had previously served time in the UK for methamphetamine trafficking and was deported in 2024, while Ogunbiyi had spent 14 years in a UK prison following a murder conviction before returning to Nigeria eight years ago.
At the helm of the cartel is Adebisi Ademola Omoyele, also known as Mr. Bee, who is believed to be directing operations from Dubai, UAE. He is accused of managing the syndicate’s overseas logistics and financial transactions.
In separate but related operations across the country, NDLEA arrested several other drug traffickers and made large seizures:
David (43) and Andy Esther (44) were apprehended with 24.4kg of skunk.
In Kogi State, Musa Isah (45) was caught with 53.4kg of skunk concealed in a Toyota Avensis while in the Kaduna-Edo axis, a haul of 233kg of skunk was seized in Kakau, Kaduna, leading to the arrest of Yunusa Zakari (23) in Auchi, Edo State.
In Onitsha, Anambra State, operatives intercepted a Toyota Hilux transporting 342kg of skunk and arrested Afolayan Ayodele (54).
In Taraba State, over 18,750kg of cannabis was destroyed on a 7.5-hectare farm in Joro-Ade village, Ardo Kola LGA. Two farm owners, Mako Zmar (55) and Sani Titus (45), were taken into custody.
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks and warned that it would continue to pursue both local and international collaborators in the illicit drug trade.
Source: Vanguard
