By Erewunmi Peace

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an alleged drug baron, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, identified as the suspected leader of a cocaine syndicate behind six United Kingdom-bound shipments of the illicit drug from Lagos State.

The agency, in a statement released on Sunday, disclosed that the syndicate was uncovered following weeks of intelligence-led operations that tracked suspicious consignments concealed in various items such as cups, body cream, and hair gel.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the arrest came after operatives intercepted multiple parcels of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja. He said the operation led to the arrest of six suspects, including the alleged kingpin, Ode, described as “a businessman and real estate dealer with strong links to international trafficking networks.”

“Following a series of coordinated operations in Lagos, our officers apprehended the syndicate members and recovered the exhibits,” Babafemi stated. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the group was responsible for six different cocaine shipments intercepted en route to the UK.”

NDLEA further disclosed that the suspect allegedly admitted ownership of the drugs, claiming he purchased the consignment for ₦150 million. The agency noted that investigations are ongoing to unravel other members of the network and trace their foreign collaborators.

The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd.), commended the operatives for their diligence and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intensifying the war against drug trafficking across Nigeria.

“We remain resolute in dismantling every criminal network involved in the illicit drug trade, no matter how sophisticated,” Marwa said.

The agency added that the suspects would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.