NDLEA foils ‘attempt to smuggle cocaine in vehicle propellers’ to Angola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have arrested Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, an automobile spare parts dealer, over an alleged attempt to smuggle cocaine to Angola.

A statement by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said Ubodoeze was arrested for allegedly attempting to export two kilograms of cocaine “concealed in vehicle propellers”. 

The consignment was reportedly intercepted at a logistics company in the Aspanda Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos, on February 21.

Babafemi said Angolan authorities were alerted and they arrested the intended recipient of the drugs. Information from the arrest led operatives to track Ubodoeze to his residence in the Ago Palace Way area of Isolo, Lagos, on March 6.

“As a result, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 6th March tracked Ubodoeze to his house in Ago palace way area of Isolo, Lagos where he was caught in a KIA Sport Utility Vehicle trying to escape,” the statement reads.

“A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a large quantity of phenacetin, a cutting agent for cocaine weighing 75.50 kilograms packaged and branded as semolina, while a digital scale used in weighing illicit drugs was recovered from his house.

“In his statement, Ubodoeze admitted dealing in cocaine while selling motor spare parts at Ladipo market, Mushin area of Lagos. He stated that the supposed recipient of the illicit consignment in Angola alerted him the moment he was arrested in Angola hence his bid to evacuate his house and flee from the area shortly before NDLEA officers swooped on him.”

In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives intercepted a cargo shipment of cannabis-laced candies at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The consignment, imported from the United Kingdom, was reportedly seized on February 27 after arriving as part of a consolidated cargo on Allied Airways.

Babafemi said the shipment was destined for sale at a children’s store, Kiddies Mart, on Ogunlana drive, Surulere, Lagos. A forensic analysis confirmed that the candies contained a potent strain of cannabis.

“As a result, the recipient of the shipment, Adedamola Taylor, was arrested on Tuesday 4th March after initial arrest of a freight agent,” the statement added.

“In his statement, Adedamola claimed the consignment was sent to him by his UK-based brother Babatunde Alabi, to deliver to one Musurat Lawal, who operates the Kiddies shop owned by Alabi in Surulere area of Lagos. A follow up operation at the shop led to the arrest of Musurat.

“Two suspects: China Michael and Igbo Ekene were arrested on Friday 7th March when their commercial truck was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at Shibiri area of Ojo, Lagos.

“A search of the vehicle revealed 248 compressed blocks of Ghanaian Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 128kg, were concealed in the underbelly of the truck.”