Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted the largest consignment of heroin and cocaine at Lagos airport, leading to the arrest and exposure of a series of Igbo drug kingpins.
The crackdown resulted in the blocking of 107 bank accounts linked to the illicit activities, totaling N119 million. Hotels and mansions allegedly built from the proceeds of drug dealing were also seized during the operation.
According I to a report, Adinnu Felix Chinedu, an Igbo man, confessed during interrogation to being the main distributor for a far-reaching drug syndicate operating across Nigeria.
Chinedu revealed that he routinely transported the consignments to a dedicated warehouse in Ayobo, where the drugs were dismantled from machines, The Naija News.org learnt.
The dismantled narcotics were then distributed based on a list of recipients forwarded to him from the head of the criminal group in South Africa.
The extensive network of the syndicate became apparent as seized consignments were marked with various codenames, indicating multiple members within the organized criminal group.
Further investigations led to the identification of the Nigerian kingpin, Reginald Peter Chidiebere, who owns the Golden Platinum Hotel and Suite situated at 16 Reginald Peter Chidiebere Street, Hope Estate, Ago Palace.
NDLEA spokesperson stated, “Our follow-up operation uncovered a long list of receivers of illicit drugs, ultimately leading to the identification and apprehension of the syndicate’s kingpin in Nigeria, Reginald Peter Chidiebere.”
A significant breakthrough occurred on February 22nd when a female member of the syndicate, Mrs. Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, was apprehended in the Ago Palace area.
She confessed to being the wife of Festus Ibewuike, a top kingpin currently residing in Mozambique, who used to send drug consignments through Adinnu Felix Chinedu.
The NDLEA’s relentless efforts have dealt a severe blow to the drug syndicate, disrupting its operations and leading to the arrest of key figures. The seized assets, including hotels and mansions, underline the commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises profiting from illicit activities. The NDLEA continues to work towards eradicating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.