The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six cocaine consignments bound for the United Kingdom, arresting six suspects, including the alleged kingpin, Alhaji Hammed Ode.
The operation, carried out over three weeks in Lagos, involved intelligence-led operations that led to the seizure of cocaine concealed in stainless cups, body cream, and hair gel containers.
The NDLEA intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.4 kilograms hidden in cocoa butter body cream containers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, and further investigation linked the consignment to Ode, who was later apprehended. Ode admitted ownership of the drugs, claiming he purchased them for over ₦150 million.
The agency also intercepted two other cocaine-laden consignments containing crayfish and stainless cups used to conceal 2.6 kilograms of cocaine.
