Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled two major cocaine trafficking syndicates responsible for six UK-bound shipments, arresting five suspects and the alleged kingpin, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, following a three-week intelligence-led operation that uncovered over 20 kilograms of narcotics concealed in consumer goods.

The crackdown began on September 16 at the export shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where NDLEA operatives intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine—totaling 13.40 kilograms—hidden within the walls of cocoa butter containers.

The seizure led to the arrest of a cargo agent and the identification of Ode, a 27-year UK-based Nigerian expatriate who posed as a businessman and property developer. Ode reportedly admitted to sourcing the shipment for ₦150 million and claimed connections across Austria, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.

Subsequent investigations exposed a parallel trafficking cell. On September 26, NDLEA agents discovered 2.10 kilograms of cocaine concealed in hair cream packaging, leading to the arrest of furniture maker Smith David Korede. Korede later surrendered an additional 1.40 kilograms and a 1.00-kilogram stash hidden in a crayfish consignment.

Further seizures on October 2 included 1.00 kilograms in stainless steel cups and 1.60 kilograms in hair cream, resulting in the arrests of Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa.

Ode was ultimately apprehended following a police complaint filed at Zone 2 headquarters, with support from the Lagos State Police Command.

NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd) commended the MMIA team’s diligence, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug cartels from couriers to masterminds. “Every arrest saves lives,” Marwa stated, emphasizing the syndicates’ international reach and the growing threat of transatlantic narcotics flows.

The operation also yielded seizures of Loud cannabis imported from Thailand.