NDLEA dismantles major drug cartel, arrests wanted baron in village mansion (Pictures)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled a major drug cartel responsible for the production and distribution of the deadly psychoactive substance known as methamphetamine, locally called ‘mkpuru mmiri’.
According to Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, the breakthrough came after the arrest of the cartel’s leader, 42-year-old Joachin Chikaodi Mbonu, and his accomplice, Kenneth Chibuike Ofoegbu, in Umuomi village, Imo State.
The cartel, operating in Imo and Rivers States, was targeted by the Agency due to their significant distribution of methamphetamine in various regions of the country.
Following weeks of surveillance, the special operations unit of the Agency tracked Mbonu to his mansion in Imo State, where he was apprehended with a cache of methamphetamine, precursor chemicals, a firearm, and cartridges.
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In subsequent raids, additional exhibits were recovered from Mbonu’s other locations, including processed sodium bicarbonate and more meth in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The ongoing investigation also led to the seizure of firearms and other items in the home of one of Mbonu’s associates in Imo State.
While Mbonu is now in custody, the NDLEA is considering seizing his properties in Imo State as part of the legal proceedings.
Mbonu, who had fled South Africa where he was involved in drug activities, continued his illegal operations in Nigeria by setting up secret laboratories in remote areas.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), praised the officers involved in the successful operation, stressing that it sends a clear message to other criminal syndicates that they will be pursued and brought to justice, regardless of their location.
Proofreading by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
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