NDLEA Dismantles Two Major Drug Cartels Behind UK-Bound Cocaine Consignments

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the dismantling of two major drug cartels responsible for multiple cocaine consignments destined for the United Kingdom. The agency said the breakthrough followed a series of coordinated operations carried out over three weeks in Lagos State.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that six suspects, including the alleged kingpin, Alhaji Hammed Ode, were arrested during the extensive crackdown.

According to Babafemi, the operation began on September 16, 2025, when NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.4 kilograms. The illicit substance was cleverly concealed in containers of cocoa butter body cream, in what the agency described as a sophisticated smuggling attempt.

“Following the discovery, the agency launched a comprehensive follow-up operation that unraveled a network of traffickers coordinating multiple shipments of cocaine to the United Kingdom,” Babafemi said. “This led to the arrest of six individuals linked to the syndicate, including the principal suspect, Alhaji Hammed Ode, who is believed to be the financier and coordinator of the network.”

He added that subsequent raids on the group’s warehouses and safe houses across different parts of Lagos yielded additional evidence, including documents, vehicles, and logistics materials used in the concealment and transport of the narcotics.

The NDLEA spokesman explained that the dismantling of the cartel is part of ongoing efforts by the agency to disrupt international drug trafficking rings using Nigeria as a transit hub.

“The NDLEA remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and bringing their sponsors to justice. This operation demonstrates our resolve to ensure that Nigeria does not become a conduit for illicit drugs destined for other countries,” he said.

Babafemi noted that investigations are still ongoing to trace other members of the syndicate and their collaborators abroad.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), commended the operatives involved in the operation, describing it as another major victory in the agency’s fight against narcotics trafficking.

Marwa reiterated that the agency would sustain its intelligence-led operations, both within Nigeria and in collaboration with international partners, to curb the menace of drug smuggling and safeguard the nation’s image globally.