Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a major opioids cartel in Lagos, recovering illicit substances valued at over N6.7 billion. The operation led to the arrest of the cartel’s leader, Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu, along with five accomplices, following an intelligence-led crackdown ahead of the Christmas season.

According to NDLEA, credible intelligence revealed that the syndicate had stockpiled over 7.2 million tramadol 225mg pills and 526,200 bottles (52.6 million mls) of codeine syrup in a residential warehouse located at 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor, Isheri, Lagos.

A Special Operations Unit of NDLEA conducted a coordinated two-day raid. On Wednesday, 19th November 2025, two members of the syndicate, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were arrested at Apple Junction, Festac, while transporting 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.

A follow-up operation at the Bucknor warehouse on Thursday, 20th November resulted in the arrest of Nwanagu and other syndicate members, including Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.

In total, authorities seized:

• 7,272,000 tramadol 225mg pills, valued at N3.96 billion, and
• 53 million mls of codeine syrup, worth N2.76 billion,

bringing the combined street value to N6.72 billion. The drugs were removed from the estate in eleven trucks to NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.

Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), NDLEA Chairman/CEO, praised the officers involved, describing the seizure as a significant blow to cartels preying on Nigeria’s youth.

He stated:

“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement. The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity across our nation, represents a victory for the Nigerian people.”

Marwa emphasized that the NDLEA’s focus remains on the kingpins and financiers of the drug trade.

“The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. This operation serves as a stark reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death, no matter how high or deeply concealed they think they are.”