HomePoliticsPoliticsTop Drug Trafficker Busted By NDLEA In Imo State

Top Drug Trafficker Busted By NDLEA In Imo State

A dangerous drug cartel responsible for the widespread distribution of methamphetamine, a deadly drug commonly known as ‘mkpuru mmiri’, has been dismantled by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

This significant operation has not only disrupted the cartel’s operations but also sent a strong message to other criminal organizations involved in the illegal drug trade.

A daring raid on a luxurious mansion in Umuomi village, Ikeduru local government area of Imo State, has led to the arrest of Joachin Chikaodi Mbonu, the 42-year-old alleged leader of a notorious criminal syndicate, and one of his top associates.

The operation, which was months in the making, has dealt a significant blow to the syndicate’s operations and sent a strong message to other criminal organizations.

Following a tip-off, the Agency launched a probe into a suspected drug cartel operating in Imo and Rivers states. The investigation revealed that this syndicate was responsible for flooding the illegal drug market with substantial quantities of methamphetamine, a dangerous drug that has ravaged communities in the South East, South South, and other parts of the country.

Following an extensive undercover operation, a special task force from the Agency closed in on a notorious drug kingpin on Friday, July 5, 2024. The high-stakes raid at his opulent mansion in Imo state resulted in the arrest of the elusive criminal mastermind and his associate, Kenneth Chibuike Ofoegbu, 34.

The bust yielded a huge haul of methamphetamine, precursor chemicals, a pump-action gun, and ammunition.

The operation uncovered a stash of illicit items, including a substantial quantity of methamphetamine, weighing in at approximately 420 grams.

Furthermore, investigators seized precursor chemicals, iodine and sodium bicarbonate, totaling 1.25 kilograms, which are crucial in the production of methamphetamine.

The discovery of two electronic scales and a pump-action gun with four cartridges provided additional evidence of the drug lord’s illicit activities.

Read also: NDLEA Smashes Drug Syndicate, Arrests 5 In Abia, Anambra

The operatives moved swiftly to another of Mbonu’s hideout located at 11 Redemption Avenue, Port Harcourt, Rivers state where they recovered additional exhibits: 750 grams of processed sodium bicarbonate; 170 grams of plain sodium bicarbonate and 75 grams of meth.

Another raid in the home of one of Mbonu’s associates, Odoemenam Pedro Chinedu, currently at large, at Njaba LGA, Imo state, led to the recovery of another pump action gun with 25 cartridges, among other items. While the kingpin cools his heels in custody, two of his mansions in Imo state have been marked for possible forfeiture to the federal government.

Mbonu had escaped from South Africa where he lived for years and mastered the art of cooking methamphetamine after he came under investigation for drug dealings. Upon his return to Nigeria, he continued the criminal trade by setting up clandestine laboratories in remote villages to shield his nefarious activities.

Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, lauded the multi-agency operation that brought down the methamphetamine syndicate, praising the professionalism and dedication of the officers involved.

He emphasized that the success of the mission sends a clear message to other criminal organizations: that there is no hiding place in Nigeria for those engaged in illicit drug activities.

The Eastern Updates 

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