By Erewunmi Peace

After a relentless seven-year pursuit, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a notorious drug kingpin, Okpara Paul Chigozie, in Lagos State. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s war against illicit drug trafficking.

According to a statement released by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the 60-year-old fugitive was finally apprehended on Saturday, July 13, 2025, in connection with a consignment of hard drugs intercepted by the agency. The initial seizure included 7.6 kilograms of cocaine and 0.9 kilograms of methamphetamine being transported through a courier company to Onitsha, Anambra State.

Acting on intelligence, NDLEA agents traced the shipment to Chigozie’s residence. A follow-up search yielded an additional 1.8kg of cocaine and 1.3kg of meth, bringing the total haul to 11.6kg—one of the largest single seizures in recent months.

“This man has been on our radar since 2019. His arrest is a strong message that no matter how long it takes, justice will catch up with traffickers,” said Babafemi.

Chigozie is believed to be a key player in a transnational drug syndicate, leveraging local courier services to distribute narcotics across Nigeria. His capture comes amid intensified efforts by NDLEA to dismantle organized drug networks nationwide.

The suspect is currently in NDLEA custody and is expected to face multiple charges under Nigeria’s drug trafficking laws. Investigations are ongoing to track down his accomplices and further disrupt the criminal enterprise.