NDLEA Busts Syndicate Behind UK-Bound Cocaine Shipments
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has smashed two major drug cartels responsible for shipping cocaine to the United Kingdom. In a series of intelligence-led operations in Lagos, the agency arrested five suspects, including the alleged ringleader, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode. The syndicate was known for concealing drugs in everyday items like body cream containers, stainless steel cups, and hair gel. The breakthrough came on September 16th when NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport intercepted 13.4kg of cocaine hidden in cocoa butter body cream containers. This led to the arrest of a cargo agent and, after weeks of surveillance, the capture of the main suspect, Ode. In related busts, the agency foiled five other UK-bound shipments and arrested additional suspects, seizing more cocaine and other illicit drugs like cannabis, tramadol, and codeine syrup in operations across several states.