Exclusive: NDLEA Arrests Spare Parts Trader Caught Smuggling Cocaine In Vehicle Parts (See Full List)

Exclusive: NDLEA Arrests Spare Parts Trader Caught Smuggling Cocaine In Vehicle Parts (See Full List)

A Lagos-based automobile spare parts dealer, Levi Ubodoeze, has been apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for attempting to smuggle two kilograms of cocaine hidden inside vehicle propellers bound for Angola……..READ MORE 

According to a statement released on Sunday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA operatives had been tracking Ubodoeze for three weeks before successfully arresting him.

The illicit drug consignment was initially intercepted at a logistics company within the Aspanda Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos, on February 21, 2025. Following this, the agency coordinated with Angolan authorities, leading to the arrest of the intended recipient and uncovering Ubodoeze’s involvement.

On March 6, NDLEA officers tracked the suspect to his residence on Ago Palace Way, Isolo, where he attempted to escape in a KIA SUV. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered 75.50 kilograms of phenacetin, a cocaine-cutting agent, disguised as semolina, along with a digital weighing scale used for drug measurement.

Ubodoeze later confessed to being involved in the drug trade while operating his spare parts business at Ladipo Market, Mushin. He admitted that the Angolan recipient had alerted him after being arrested, prompting his failed escape attempt.

In separate operations on March 7, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial truck in Ojo, Lagos, and arrested two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene, who were transporting 128 kilograms of a high-potency cannabis strain known as Ghanaian Loud.

On the same day, three more suspects—Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe—were arrested at Mosalasi Junction in Mushin for possessing 301,600 tramadol pills and other opioids.

Other notable arrests include:

• A 65-year-old man, Yahaya Haruna, in Kano, found with 19.2 kg of skunk.
• Musa Bello, 60, arrested with 212 bottles of codeine syrup.
• Blessing Okoronkwo in Aba, Abia State, caught with 442,594 tramadol pills and 1,274 bottles of codeine syrup.

NDLEA also carried out major drug busts in Benue, Osun, and Edo states, where multiple arrests and drug seizures were made.

Authorities have warned that the crackdown on illicit drug trafficking will continue, with heightened surveillance across major Nigerian cities.