Ola Akinwunmi
In a significant blow to narcotics trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Levi Ubodoeze, a Lagos-based automobile spare parts dealer, for attempting to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola.
The arrest came after a three-week manhunt, which began when NDLEA operatives seized the cocaine consignment at a logistics company in Lagos on February 21, 2025. The agency worked closely with Angolan authorities, who arrested the intended recipient of the illicit drug, leading to the identification of Ubodoeze as the sender.
Upon searching Ubodoeze’s vehicle, NDLEA operatives found 75.50 kilograms of phenacetin, a cutting agent for cocaine, packaged and branded as semolina. A digital scale used for weighing illicit drugs was also recovered from his house. Ubodoeze confessed to his involvement in the cocaine trade while selling motor spare parts at Ladipo Market, Mushin, Lagos.
This arrest is part of a larger crackdown on narcotics trafficking by the NDLEA. Other recent operations include: Interception of Cannabis-Infused Candies. NDLEA operatives uncovered a shipment of cannabis-infused candies intended for sale in a children’s store in Lagos.
Arrests in Kano, Abia, and Benue States: The NDLEA arrested several suspects, including a 65-year-old man with 19.2 kilograms of skunk, and recovered large quantities of tramadol, exol-5, and codeine syrup.
The NDLEA operatives also destroyed 9,514.625 kilograms of skunk on a cannabis farm in Edo State.