NDLEA Cracks Lagos Opioids Syndicate, Seizes Drugs Worth Over N6.7 Billion

Lagos authorities have dismantled a major opioids cartel in a high-profile intelligence-led operation, seizing illicit substances valued at more than N6.7 billion and arresting six members of the gang, including kingpin Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed that the syndicate was stockpiling 7.27 million tramadol 225mg pills and 526,200 bottles of codeine syrup, equivalent to 53 million milliliters, in a secret warehouse within a residential estate in Isheri, Lagos. The operation took place ahead of the Christmas festive season.

Two gang members, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were first apprehended on 19 November while transporting 300 cartons of opioids in a truck. The following day, NDLEA raided the warehouse on Sunny Billa East Street, arresting Nwanagu alongside Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.

The seized drugs are estimated at N3.96 billion for tramadol pills and N2.76 billion for codeine syrup, with a combined street value of N6.72 billion. NDLEA moved the contraband in eleven trucks to its central exhibit complex in Lagos.

NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), praised the Special Operations Unit and Strike Force Unit for the professional handling of the operation, describing it as a “major blow to cartels preying on Nigeria’s youth.”

“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear message that the days when drug barons felt untouchable are over,” Marwa said. “The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs represents a victory for Nigerians and underscores our unwavering commitment to the fight against drug trafficking.”

The agency emphasised that its focus remains on the financiers and kingpins behind the illicit drug trade. NDLEA warned that no trafficker, regardless of influence or secrecy, would evade justice.