The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade and Rashidat Ayinke Owoalade, allegedly operating a cocaine cartel from India, wanted. This announcement follows the arrest of four syndicate members in Lagos. A Sports Utility Vehicle and two houses linked to the couple have been seized for forfeiture to the Federal Government.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed that Imran Taofeek Olalekan and Ishola Isiaka Olalekan were arrested on April 3, 2024, attempting to export 3.40kg of cocaine to Oman. Imran, the courier, was recruited by Ishola for the cartel headed by Owoalade, whose residence permit in India bears the alias Abdul Qassim Adisa Balogun.
After five weeks of surveillance, Hamed Abimbola Saheed, a key syndicate member, was arrested in Lagos. During a search of his house, NDLEA operatives found phenacetine, a cocaine cutting agent. His arrest led to a raid on the Owoalade couple’s home, resulting in the seizure of 400 grams of cocaine, a Toyota RAV4 SUV, and other drug paraphernalia.
In a separate operation, NDLEA officers intercepted a bus with 2,025 pieces of improvised explosive devices in Niger State, arresting four suspects. Other notable arrests include Muhammad Lawal in Katsina with 1,000 ampoules of Pentazocine and Emeka Nwadiaro in Anambra for attempting to export cannabis. Several other drug-related arrests and seizures occurred across Nigeria, showcasing NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), praised the agency’s officers for their dedication and emphasized the importance of their role in national security. The agency continues its advocacy efforts, educating students and communities about the dangers of drug abuse.
