The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has smashed an international organized criminal group (IOCG) operating across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. In a two-week intelligence-led operation in Lagos, three leaders of the cartel were arrested following the interception of a large cocaine consignment destined for Sydney, Australia.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Monday, said the breakthrough began on Tuesday, 26th August 2025, when officers at the Lagos airport’s export shed intercepted 76 cartons of textile materials bound for Sydney. A thorough search uncovered 16 blocks of cocaine weighing 17.9 kilograms, concealed within lace fabrics and hidden among local charms, believed to be meant as spiritual protection against detection.
The shipment, which was expected to fetch over 5.3 million Australian dollars (about N5.3 billion), led to the arrest of freight agent and syndicate member, Olashupo Michael Oladimeji.
Further investigations exposed two other cartel leaders: Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, identified as the group’s Nigerian coordinator, and Shola Adegoke. Ogunbiyi was arrested on Wednesday, 3rd September, at a hotel in Ikeja GRA. A subsequent search of his residence in Lekki uncovered 21 parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 10.90kg, alongside a pump-action shotgun and cartridges.
Another operation at a cartel safe house located at 13 Reverend Ogunbiyi Street, Ikeja GRA, led to the arrest of Adegoke. A search of a Range Rover SUV parked within the premises revealed 17 parcels of Loud weighing 9.60kg. Earlier, operatives had seized a Toyota Venza from Ogunbiyi during his arrest.
Investigations also linked the syndicate’s overseas operations to Adebisi Ademola Omoyele, popularly known as Mr. Bee, currently based in Dubai. Findings showed that Adegoke had previously served a prison sentence in the UK for methamphetamine trafficking before being deported in 2024, while Ogunbiyi had completed a 14-year jail term in the UK for murder before returning to Nigeria eight years ago.
Babafemi noted that the arrests mark a significant breakthrough in NDLEA’s clampdown on transnational drug cartels exploiting Nigeria as a hub for their illicit trade.
