The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria has intercepted a significant amount of methamphetamine worth N567 million destined for the United Kingdom. The drugs were cleverly concealed in powdered custard containers within a consolidated cargo at the SAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. According to Femi Babafemi, the spokesperson for the anti-narcotic agency, NDLEA operatives discovered and confiscated the illicit drug shipment weighing 30.10 kilograms on May 16th.
Following the seizure and a series of subsequent operations by the anti-narcotic agency, investigations were carried out, leading to the apprehension of Nwobodo Chidiebere, a freight agent, Chioma Lucy Akuta, a female suspect, and ultimately Charles Chinedu Ezeh, the mastermind behind the drug trafficking operation. Ezeh was captured at Sotel Suites in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos on May 18th.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,unboxing the consignment of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers
According to Babafemi, Ezeh initially claimed to be a businessman involved in legitimate activities in Onitsha, Anambra State. However, investigations revealed that he had been living in London with his wife and children until December 10th, 2022, when he fled to Nigeria after being implicated in a drug-related offense in the UK. Although Ezeh asserted that he had been residing in hotels since returning to Nigeria, NDLEA operatives managed to locate his mansion at No. 1 Hawawu Abikan Street in Lekki on May 19th. A thorough search was conducted, leading to the recovery of his travel documents, property records, and other relevant items.