The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a significant drug trafficking operation in Lagos, arresting automobile spare parts dealer Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze after a three-week manhunt. Ubodoeze, who attempted to export 2 kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola, was caught fleeing his residence in Isolo, Lagos, on March 6, 2025.
NDLEA operatives tracked Ubodoeze to his Ago Palace Way home after Angolan authorities arrested his alleged accomplice, who was awaiting the cocaine shipment. A search of his KIA SUV revealed 75.5 kilograms of phenacetin, a chemical used to dilute cocaine, disguised as semolina, alongside a digital drug-weighing scale. Ubodoeze admitted to trafficking cocaine while operating a legitimate auto parts business at Lagos’ Ladipo Market, revealing that his Angolan contact alerted him to the seizure, prompting his attempted escape.
The Lagos bust coincides with a parallel NDLEA operation at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where officers intercepted cannabis-infused candies shipped from the UK. The consignment, destined for a children’s store in Surulere, tested positive for high-potency cannabis. Recipient Adedamola Taylor and store operator Musurat Lawal were arrested, with Taylor claiming the package was sent by his UK-based brother.
Nationwide Crackdown Yields Further Arrests
Lagos: Two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene, were detained in Ojo with 128kg of Ghanaian Loud cannabis on March 7. Separately, three individuals in Mushin were caught with 301,600 tramadol pills.
Kano: Officers arrested 65-year-old Yahaya Haruna with 19.2kg of skunk and 60-year-old Musa Bello with 212 codeine bottles.
Abia: A raid on a Ubani Street warehouse uncovered 442,594 tramadol pills and 1,274 codeine bottles.
Edo: Over 9,514kg of skunk was destroyed on a 3.8-hectare farm in Igueben LGA, with one suspect arrested.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi emphasized the agency’s “relentless pursuit of drug cartels exploiting legitimate businesses,” noting the arrests reflect strengthened cross-border collaborations. The seizures highlight Nigeria’s role as a transit hub for international drug networks, particularly linking West Africa, Europe, and Angola.
Authorities urge public vigilance, warning that traffickers increasingly target unsuspecting businesses and youth-centric products like candies. Investigations into Ubodoeze’s transnational connections and the UK-based cannabis candy supplier remain ongoing.
