NDLEA Dismantles Major Cocaine Cartels Behind Six UK-Bound Shipments, Arrests Alleged Kingpin and Five Others

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered and dismantled two major cocaine cartels responsible for six separate shipments of the illicit drug bound for the United Kingdom. The coordinated operations, conducted over three weeks across Lagos State, culminated in the arrest of six suspects, including the alleged ringleader, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode a self-described businessman and real estate developer.

According to a statement issued by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the breakthrough began on September 16, 2025, when operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.4 kilograms. The drugs were concealed inside cocoa butter body cream containers destined for export.

A cargo agent was initially apprehended, leading investigators to Ode, who was identified as the mastermind of the cartel. Following weeks of intelligence gathering and collaboration with the police, Ode was arrested and reportedly confessed ownership of the shipment, claiming to have purchased it for over ₦150 million. He is said to have returned to Nigeria in 2024 after living in several European countries, including Austria, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Further investigations uncovered five additional UK-bound cocaine consignments using similar concealment methods in hair cream, stainless cups, and gel containers. On September 26, operatives intercepted 2.10 kilograms of cocaine hidden in hair cream containers. The arrest of another cargo agent led to the apprehension of 34-year-old furniture maker, Smith David Korede, at his residence in Mafoluku, Oshodi. Another 1.40 kilograms of cocaine, also meant for export, was recovered from his home.

Two subsequent shipments weighing 1.00 kilogram and 1.60 kilograms respectively were seized on October 2. NDLEA operatives arrested two suspects, Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa, linked to the consignments disguised as crayfish and hair cream containers.

In total, the NDLEA recovered over 19 kilograms of cocaine from the syndicates, all destined for the United Kingdom. Officials say the arrests mark a significant blow to transnational drug networks operating through Nigeria’s busiest airport.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the agency’s intelligence and airport command teams for their precision and coordination. He reiterated the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug cartels exploiting Nigeria’s air and sea routes for international trafficking.

“This operation demonstrates our resolve to identify, infiltrate, and destroy organized criminal networks. We will continue to pursue every lead until all collaborators are brought to justice,” Marwa stated.

The suspects remain in NDLEA custody as investigations continue, with authorities vowing to prosecute all those involved under Nigeria’s anti-narcotics laws.