By Kingsley Omonobi

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, a wanted automobile spare parts dealer, three weeks after launching a manhunt for him over a failed attempt to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola.

In a series of operations across the country, the agency also seized phenacetin—a cocaine-cutting agent—hidden inside semolina packs, intercepted a shipment of cannabis-infused candies from the UK, which was meant for a Lagos kiddies’ shop, and recoveSpokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi said the arrest was made possible through bilateral intelligence sharing and synergy between NDLEA and Angola authorities.

He said, “Following the seizure of the cocaine consignment at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo area of Lagos on 21st February 2025, swift contacts were made with Angolan authorities who in turn arrested the supposed recipient of the illicit drug in Angola, after which the identity of the sender was unraveled.

“As a result, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 6th March tracked Ubodoeze to his house in Ago palace way area of Isolo, Lagos where he was caught in a KIA Sport Utility Vehicle trying to escape.

“A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a large quantity of phenacetin, a cutting agent for cocaine weighing 75.50 kilograms packaged and branded as semolina, while a digital scale used in weighing illicit drugs was recovered from his house.

“In his statement, Ubodoeze admitted dealing in cocaine while selling motor spare parts at Ladipo market, Mushin area of Lagos.

“He stated that the supposed recipient of the illicit consignment in Angola alerted him the moment he was arrested in Angola hence his bid to evacuate his house and flee from the area shortly before NDLEA officers swooped on him.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos have intercepted a cargo of cannabis candies imported from the United Kingdom and meant for sale at a Kiddies Mart, located at 46 Ogunlana drive, Surulere, Lagos.

The consignment was seized on 27th February upon its arrival as a consolidated cargo on Allied Airways.

Preliminary field test and subsequent forensic analysis of the candies established that the substance was laced with a strong strain of cannabis.




https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/ndlea-arrests-wanted-auto-spare-parts-dealer-over-77-5kg-angola-cocaine-deal/