The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a powerful international drug cartel with operations spanning Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates, intercepting a cocaine consignment valued at ₦5.3 billion.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the breakthrough in a statement on Sunday, revealing that three key members of the International Organised Criminal Group (IOCG) were arrested in Lagos following a two-week covert operation.
The sting began on August 26, 2025, when operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, intercepted 76 cartons of textile materials bound for Sydney, Australia. Concealed within were 17.9kg of cocaine hidden in lace fabrics, alongside local charms allegedly meant to shield traffickers from law enforcement.
Babafemi disclosed that the haul, if successful, would have generated an estimated street value of $5.3 million AUD (₦5.3 billion).
A freight agent, Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, was the first suspect arrested. Investigations soon led to the capture of Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi, described as the syndicate’s Nigerian coordinator, at a hotel in Ikeja GRA on September 3, 2025. A raid on his Lekki home uncovered 21 parcels of Canadian Loud (10.90kg), a double-barreled pump-action gun, and cartridges.
Another cartel leader, Shola Adegoke, was later arrested during a raid at a property in Ikeja GRA used as a packaging hub. A black Range Rover SUV (RBC 459 EJ) containing 17 parcels of Loud (9.60kg) was recovered, while a Toyota Venza (FST 771 JQ) was seized from Ogunbiyi.
Further investigations identified Adebisi Ademola Omoyele, a.k.a. Mr. Bee, currently hiding in Dubai, as the syndicate’s global mastermind.
Babafemi also revealed that both Ogunbiyi and Adegoke were ex-convicts: Ogunbiyi served 14 years in the UK for murder, while Adegoke was jailed in the UK in 2021 for methamphetamine trafficking before his deportation in 2024.
NDLEA vowed to continue pursuing cartel networks and assured Nigerians that no criminal will escape justice.
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