Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended Joachin Chikaodi Mbonu, a notorious drug baron involved in the production and distribution of methamphetamine in Nigeria. The arrest took place at Mbonu's mansion in Umuomi village, Imo State, on July 5.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Mbonu, aged 42, is linked to a drug cartel responsible for manufacturing methamphetamine, locally known as ‘Mkpuru mmiri’. The syndicate operated across Imo and Rivers states, distributing significant quantities of the illicit drug in the South-East, South-South, and other regions.
During the operation, NDLEA operatives recovered substantial evidence, including 419.99 grams of methamphetamine, 750 grams of iodine (a precursor chemical), 500 grams of sodium bicarbonate (another precursor chemical), two electronic weighing scales, and a pump action gun with four cartridges from Mbonu's residence.
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Further raids on properties associated with Mbonu and his accomplices in Imo and Rivers states yielded additional illicit drugs and weapons. These included more methamphetamine, precursor chemicals, and firearms. One of Mbonu's associates, Odoemenam Pedro Chinedu, who is currently at large, was also implicated in the operations.
Babafemi disclosed that Mbonu had fled South Africa, where he previously resided, following investigations into his drug activities. Upon returning to Nigeria, he established clandestine methamphetamine laboratories in remote villages to evade law enforcement.
As Mbonu remains in custody, NDLEA has identified two of his mansions in Imo State for possible forfeiture to the Federal Government. The agency continues to investigate the full extent of the drug cartel’s operations and aims to dismantle its network completely.
