NDLEA Detains 6 Suspects Behind Seized N6.7B Opioid, Tramadol, Codeine

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has recovered Six-Point-Seven Billion Naira worth of banned drugs form a secret warehouse within a residential estate in Lagos State. Items recovered from the building at No. 23, Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor Estate, include over seven-point-two million pills of tramadol and five hundred and twenty-six bottles of codeine syrup. NDLEA spokesman, FEMI BABAFEMI, said officers of the Special Operations Unit raided the location between November 19 and 20, 2025, and arrested six suspects, including one ONYEKACHI PIUS NWANAGU, who was described as a drug baron. BABAFEMI said the breakthrough was made possible following the arrest of two men, identified as EGBO INNOCENT UDALOR and CHUKWE EMMANUEL at Apple Junction, in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos, while conveying three hundred cartons of opioids in a truck. He said following a raid of the warehouse of the drug syndicate, three other suspects, whose names were given as NWOYE SUNDAY ALI; NNACHO OGOCHUKWU; and ORAGHALIA CHUKWUEBUKA PHILIP, were arrested together with ONYEKACHI NWANAGU.  “In all, a total of Seven Million Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand (7,272,000) pills of tramadol 225mg worth Three Billion Nine Hundred and Sixty Million Naira (N3,960,000,000) and 53 million mills of codeine syrup valued at over Two Billion Seven Hundred and Sixty Two Million Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N2,762,550,000), bringing the combined value of the seized drugs to Six Billion Seven Hundred and Twenty Two Million Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N6,722,550,000.00) only in street value were recovered and moved out of the estate in eleven trucks to NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.” While commending the Commander and operatives of the Special Operations Unit as well as those of Strike Force Unit involved in the dismantling of the syndicate, The spokesman said the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) praised the professionalism and dedication of officers involved in the operation, describing the breakthrough as a major blow to drug cartels preying on Nigeria's youth. "This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement. The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity across our nation, represents a victory for the Nigerian people and a confirmation of our unwavering commitment to the mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu", Marwa stated. He emphasized that the Agency's focus remains squarely on the kingpins and financiers of the illicit drug trade. "The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. The arrest of this drug baron and his criminal cohorts, following an intensive intelligence operation, serves as a stark reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death, no matter how high or deeply concealed they think they are."