A Lagos-based automobile spare parts dealer, Levi Ubodoeze, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for attempting to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
The statement read, “Barely three weeks after launching a manhunt for him, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested automobile spare parts dealer Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze over a recent attempt to export two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola.
“Following the seizure of the cocaine consignment at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo area of Lagos on February 21, 2025, swift contact was 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 uncovered.
“As a result, NDLEA operatives, on Thursday, March 6, tracked Ubodoeze to his house in the 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 reportedly led to the recovery of a large quantity of phenacetin, a cutting agent for cocaine, weighing 75.50 kilograms, packaged and branded as semolina. A digital scale used for weighing illicit drugs was also recovered from his house.
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In his confession, Ubodoeze reportedly admitted to his involvement in the cocaine trade while selling motor spare parts at Ladipo Market, Mushin, Lagos.
“He stated that the supposed recipient of the illicit consignment in Angola alerted him the moment he was arrested, hence his bid to evacuate his house and flee from the area shortly before NDLEA officers swooped on him,” the statement read.
In another operation, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial truck in the Ojo area of Lagos State on March 7, leading to the arrest of two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene.
NDLEA arrests suspects
The truck was reportedly transporting 248 compressed blocks of Ghanaian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 128 kilograms, which was concealed in the underbelly of the truck.
Meanwhile, three suspects — Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe — were arrested the same day at Mosalasi Junction, Mushin, with 301,600 pills of tramadol and other opioids.
Babafemi added that in Kano State, 65-year-old Yahaya Haruna was arrested on 6th March with 19.2 kilograms of skunk, while another suspect, Musa Bello, 60, was arrested with 212 bottles of codeine-based syrup.
NDLEA arrests suspects
On March 4, NDLEA operatives raided the residence and warehouse of one Blessing Okoronkwo in Aba, Abia State, recovering 442,594 pills of tramadol and other opioids, as well as 1,274 bottles of codeine syrup.
The agency’s efforts also led to several arrests in Osun, Benue, and Edo states.
Babafemi revealed that in Benue State, 50,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 were recovered from two suspects, Nwaeze Onyeabor, 47, and Tombo Thomas, 23, on 5th March when their vehicle was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at Ugbema Junction, Katsina Ala.
NDLEA arrests suspect
In Osun, 50-year-old Asimiyu Muibi was arrested on 4th March with 162 kilograms of skunk at Modakeke, while 95 kilograms of the same substance were recovered from a Toyota Camry, marked KSF 72 GW, during a raid in Ede the same day.
On March 5, a suspect, Etim Esien Stephen, 55, was arrested following a raid on a cannabis farm in Igueben, Edo State, where 9,514.625 kilograms of skunk were destroyed on 3.805846 hectares of cannabis farmland.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that NDLEA operatives also uncovered a shipment of cannabis-infused candies intended for sale in a children’s store located at 46 Ogunlana Drive, in the Surulere area of Lagos State.
NDLEA arrests suspects
Babafemi disclosed that the consignment, imported from the United Kingdom on February 27, was destined for Kiddies Mart but was intercepted upon arrival.
He added that Adedamola Taylor, the recipient of the shipment who claimed the consignment was sent to him by his UK-based brother, Babatunde Alabi, was arrested after a freight agent linked him to the illegal goods.
Further investigation reportedly led to the arrest of Musurat Lawal, identified as the operator of Kiddies Mart.
PUNCH
