The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared a couple, Kazeem and Rashidat Owoalade, wanted for allegedly operating a cocaine cartel from India. This declaration follows the arrest of four members of the syndicate in Lagos, where a Sports Utility Vehicle was recovered, and two houses linked to them were sealed for forfeiture to the Federal Government.
Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing that efforts are underway to dismantle the cartel. The arrested members include Imran Olalekan and Ishola Olalekan, apprehended on April 3, 2024, attempting to export 3.40kg of cocaine via a Qatar Airlines flight destined for Oman. Investigations revealed that the alleged head of the cartel is Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade, residing in India under the name Abdul Qassim Adisa Balogun.
The agency’s operatives also arrested Hamed Abimbola Saheed, an accomplice of the Owoalade couple, on May 14 in Lagos. Saheed confessed to facilitating Imran’s stay in a hotel before his failed trip to Oman and transporting him and Ishola to the airport on the day of their arrest. During a search of Saheed’s house, NDLEA operatives recovered phenacetine, a cutting agent for cocaine, weighing 900 grams.
Further operations led to the arrest of another suspect at the Owoalade couple’s residence in Lagos, where additional cocaine and equipment for drug concealment were seized. Additionally, NDLEA officers intercepted parcels containing cocaine bound for China, amphetamine concealed in vape pens and shea butter destined for the UK, and cannabis concealed in water flasks intended for Dubai.
In various states across Nigeria, the agency made several other significant drug seizures and arrests, including intercepting a Mercedes Benz bus loaded with cannabis, apprehending individuals with opioids and cannabis, and seizing a large consignment of drugs hidden in a petrol tanker. Additionally, NDLEA officers arrested suspects in connection with the seizure of improvised explosive device materials in Niger State and recovered cannabis in Edo and Kwara States.
The NDLEA continues its efforts to combat drug trafficking and apprehend individuals involved in illicit drug activities across Nigeria.
